First German Troops Arrive in Lithuania for Permanent Deployment

Germany has begun deploying troops in Lithuania—a NATO member—marking the first time since World War II that German forces will be based long-term outside the country. On April 8, Germany sent off the first 20 soldiers on a permanent deployment. The two countries signed an agreement in December to station a German brigade in the Baltic state. At the time, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the deal “historic.” During a brief farewell ceremony at the Berlin airport, Mr. Pistorius said it was “the first time we are permanently stationing such a unit outside of Germany, and so it’s also an important day for NATO and the alliance’s defense capability.”...