Dopesheet
Lithuania performs a “Lightning Strike” military exercise by simulating “green men” scenario in its new gas terminal, airport and other state companies or institutions. Chief of the Army says that Lithuania must be ready to defend before NATO Allies arrive to help.
The scenario is modeled on last year's capture of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula by Russian soldiers in unmarked uniforms and civilian clothes, who came to be known as the “green men” when Moscow initially denied their identity.
The drills called “Lightning Strike” will be performed this week and will include some 3500 troops simulating a response to armed groups seizing local government buildings, weapons stockpiles, Palanga airport and liquefied gas terminal in Klaipeda.
Klaipeda is the first city where exercises were launched yesterday. It is the main Lithuanian port where a floating liquid natural gas terminal called “Independence” arrived last year. An explosion was simulated in a gas pipeline connected to the terminal, while guards dealt with "protesters" circling it in small boats.
The LNG terminal was constructed to free Lithuania from the need for Russian gas imports.
Later the exercises will move to central district of Kaisiadorys and eastern district of Svencionys. The simulation will include attacking local government and police buildings. A state of war by President Decree will be implemented there.
It is the first military drills of such scale that include the coordination of all Lithuanian structures of force.
After Crimean annexation by Russia Lithuania increased its military spending as reintroduced conscription.
Shotlist
Two shots of LNG facility
Simulation of protesters-secret soldiers arriving near the LNG
Guards of LNG surround protesters-secret warriors
Shot of chief of the armed forces Zukas in the center
Soundbite (Lithuanian), General Mayor JONAS VYTAUTAS ZUKAS, Chief of Lithuanian Armed Forces: These national exercise are devoted to the situation before NATO Allies arrive. In a time when Allies are still unable to help we will have to act alone in Lithuanian territory by all acting together in a coordinated way.
Military vehicles ride through Klaipeda city
Soldiers are searching a block in Klaipeda city
People watching from one of the Klaipeda blocks
Soundbite (Lithuanian), colonel lieutenant GIEDRIUS ANGLICKIS, Chief of the platoon taking part in exercises: The most challenging thing is always unforeseen incidents, which will happen in a city. We a have reserve to act and we will act really fast to any incidents.
Helicopter in the air
Shots of soldiers and policemen coordinating efforts
