More Australian Troops To Afghanistan
- April 30th, 2009
- Posted by EUEditor
The Australian government has confirmed it will send an extra 450 soldiers to Afghanistan.
The new forces, increasing the country’s commitment by nearly one-third, will be comprised of a Company group to assist with security during the forthcoming national elections, and more soldiers to work in mentoring and training roles with the Afghanistan army.
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said (29.4.09) the overseas military commitment was becoming unpopular but was needed to help protect Australians from terrorist attack and to honour commitments to the American alliance.
The increase in troop numbers comes at the same time as additional commitments by Britain and the United States; the international force operating under a NATO command structure is stepping up its level of operations.