Bulgaria's infantry unit, which is to leave for Iraq at the beginning of August, will be deployed near the ancient town of Babylon, local radio Darik reported, citing an official from Bulgaria's Defense Ministry.

The main purpose of the Bulgarian battalion will be guarding of the southern part of a highway connecting Baghdad and Kuwait as well as historical sites and artefacts of the ancient city of Babylon.

The strength of the Bulgarian peacekeeping battalion will be appointed upon its return of a Bulgarian intelligence unit, which leaves June 23 for Iraq.

The bigger part of the infantry unit and the equipment will be shipped from the Black Sea city of Burgas to the Iraqi port of Basra.