Germany cabinet OKs dispatching 850 troops to Afghanistan
Iran Press TV
Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:53PM GMT
The German cabinet has approved a plan to deploy up to 850 soldiers to Afghanistan as part of a post-2014 training and advisory mission led by NATO in the war-torn country.
On Wednesday, the cabinet of German Chancellor Angela Merkel authorized the one-year deployment, but it still needs approval by the German parliament.
The German cabinet decision comes as Afghans have repeatedly staged demonstrations in protest against the continued presence of foreign troops in their country.
The new NATO mission is expected to consist of some 12,000 soldiers, including 8,000 US troops and 4,000 from other NATO member states.
Afghanistan's army and police forces will be mainly responsible for restoring security in the country from the beginning of 2015. Tens of thousands of the US-led foreign forces are to withdraw by the end of 2014.
According to reports, there are currently 1,520 German forces in Afghanistan.
The United States, Britain, and their allies invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001, as part of their so-called war on terror. Although the offensive removed the Taliban from power, insecurity remains across the country.
The Taliban militants have stepped up their attacks against the Afghan government, foreign forces and civilians. The group has vowed to escalate the attacks on Afghan forces and US-led troops, their bases, diplomatic missions and vehicle convoys before the foreign forces exit the country at the end of 2014.
SSM/HSN/HRB
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
