NARTO Forces To Leave Brikvania Within Two Months

Brikvanian troops on patrol along the border with Malatia.

The Royal Brikvanian Government announced that NARTO forces will begin to withdraw from the kingdom within two months. "We are confident our security forces are able to deal with any emergency," said Prince Aragon, the Brikvanian Minister for Defence and Security. 

Replacing the NARTO troops in the defence of the Kingdom will be the men from the Armed Forces of Brikvania (AFBv). NARTO trainers are currently helping the Kingdom to build its military capabilities.

"6 infantry battalions are being created right now. Although we aim to have 40,000 to 50,000 troops, we will settle with less troops but these troops will have better equipment," said Prince Aragon, who was interviewed during the launch of "Buy and Eat Local Ice-Cream Day" in Briktown. Prince Aragon was spotted buying 5 tubs of Brikcoco ice creams later on.

Reports indicated that the Kingdom of Lego is unhappy about Brikvania's decision of not having NARTO forces in the country. The Kingdom of Lego's defence policy is to use Brikvania as a frontline state against Malatia, and the deployment of NARTO troops inside Brikvania is a key to this strategy.

On the ground, the AFBv is being equipped with artillery and armoured vehicles from various NARTO countries. The air force does not have any combat aircraft currently but is looking at strengthening its air defence system. However Brikvania's economy is weak and the government does not have enough financial resources to purchase a air defence system. 

The Kingdom's military is now equipped with 1970s era anti-aircraft guns donated by the Kingdom of Equanter. 
 
At sea, the Kingdom of Fabu has donated 2 patrol boats for the small fledgling Brikvanian navy. Currently two modern warships from the Kingdom of Lego are on patrol duty off the coast of Brikvania. ​