Chamber of Deputies Speaker Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Special Operations Forces, that this unit has elite military professionals who can cope with any situation, according to Agerpres.

„I know that in our Special Operations Forces there are elite, professional soldiers with developed fighting and leadership skills, most of whom are simultaneously paratroopers, divers and mountaineers capable of dealing with any special situation. I am proud that today Romania has modern units ready to respond quickly and decisively to crisis situations and to ensure the protection of citizens and national interests, and I say this especially considering what is happening right at our borders. The bloody war in Ukraine, provoked by Russia’s cynical aggression against an independent state, shows the importance of special operations structures in modern military confrontations. We have seen many examples where such operations have inflicted greater casualties on an enemy with massive manpower and additional firepower. Elements such as surprise, speed of action, mobility, flexibility and understanding the environment of action from all points of view have become vital in modern warfare,” said Ciolacu, at the events organised on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Special Operations Forces Targu Mures.

He said that the soldiers of this unit have gained international recognition and respect through the missions carried out alongside NATO partners.

„I have learned from discussions with political leaders from NATO member countries that all of you in the Romanian Special Operations Forces have gained international recognition and respect in a relatively short period of time. You have taken part in highly dangerous missions in theatres of operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo, in missions led by NATO or other coalition forces in Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean. Thank you for the professionalism, courage and tenacity you have always shown, for the way you have shown the whole world that Romanians are a reliable ally in all circumstances. That is why, on this day, let us also honour the heroes of the Special Forces fallen in the line of duty, and the comrades wounded in missions. Their sacrifice obliges us to make every effort to ensure that the fighters of these units benefit from the latest technology and any other facilities necessary to protect their lives as best as possible,” Ciolacu said.

Agerpres