Latvia has responded with determination to the new threats and challenges posed by international terrorism.

The key aspects of Latvian policy in this area are:

• The provision of full political support to the international anti-terrorism coalition.
• Immediately after the terrorist attacks on the 11th of September 2001, Latvia held consultations with the other two Baltic States and developed an outline of joint measures to be taken in order to confront international terrorism.
• The adoption of measures to prevent terrorists making use of Latvia's territory or banks; The Latvian government developed an Action Plan for Combating International Terrorism as a matter of urgency. Its main thrust is to deny terrorists any opportunity to make use of Latvia's territory, banking system or other assets.

A number of changes have been made to legislation and normative acts in line with the Plan; these include criminalizing support for international terrorism and giving law enforcement authorities' additional powers of control over financial transactions. Cooperation among the state security services has been strengthened, and controls over exports, imports and the transit of strategically significant goods enhanced. The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior have strengthened their capacity to deal with terrorist threats.

Latvia has since ratified all major international conventions on combating terrorism. Latvia actively supports the work of the UN in coordinating international anti-terrorism efforts, has associated itself with the respective declarations of the European Union and supported the resolve of NATO to assist the United States in the fight against terrorism.

Since February 2003 Latvia is participating in the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

In 2003 Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF) of Latvia deployed the medical team to the Afghanistan under the Nederland's lead hospital in Kabul.

From the beginning of 2005 NAF of Latvia deployed to the Afghanistan the some staff personnel to Kabul Multinational Brigade and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team under the Norwegian's lead 3rd Battle group dislocated in Kabul.

From 2006 all Latvian troops were deployed to the Regional Command North (RC N) in Northern part of Afghanistan under Norwegian lead Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Meymaneh.

In November 2008 Latvia deployed Infantry Kandak Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) 41 soldiers, to the Regional Command East (RC E) area of operation. This OMLT is led by Latvians, but it is reinforced by 11 U.S. Michigan National Guard soldiers.

Currently Latvia has 149 soldiers and 4 Civilians in Afghanistan.

Main tasks are:

Battle casualties, 1 KIA, 3 WIA

Since April 2003 Latvia is participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In May 2003 NAF deployed EOD team and Logistic platoon. Later in August 2003, when Poland took responsibility of the Central South part of Iraq and when where established Multinational Division Central-South (MND CS), Latvia deployed infantry company and staff officers to MND CS Area of Responsibility (AOR). In July 2007 Latvia redeployed Infantry Company in order to concentrate on mission in Afghanistan and in November 2008 Latvia finished mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, NAF of Latvia deployed 1,158 troops.
• Battle casualties: 3 KIA, 5 WIA
• NAF of Latvia EOD School provided EOD courses for Iraqi specialists in 2006.

Latvia has donated 110 000 EUR to the Coalition Trust fund. NAF of Latvia donated as material help (weapons) in value of 3 000 EUR.