The Latvian Ministry of Defence will receive US armoured vehicles for use in International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in Afghanistan.

Under the agreement, the US will lend eight mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles and 40 high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs) for use during Latvia’s operations in Afghanistan.

Latvian Minister of Defence Imants Liegis said the request to loan armoured vehicles would increase the safety of soldiers in Afghanistan, and strengthen US and Latvian military cooperation.

Latvian armed forces have been participating in ISAF operations in Afghanistan since 2003 with over 175 soldiers in service.