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136 Slovak Troops to Leave for Afghanistan in December
Friday 27 November 2009 Zoom in | Print page
Vlkanova, November 27 (TASR) - Slovak troops about to leave for the ISAF operation in Afghanistan on December 1 took part in a farewell ceremony in Vlkanova (Banska Bystrica region) on Friday.
Defence Minister Jaroslav Baska (Smer-SD) attended the ceremony. "In total, 136 troops are being sent to Afghanistan in December," he said.
According to commander Alexander Schober, Slovak troops will serve in many capacities. For instance, the Slovak multi-functional sapper company will carry out de-mining and construction work, airfield maintenance, and also guard duty at the Kandahar airfield in Nakafe.
"In Tarin Kowte, our troops are training the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police, as well as guarding the base in Tarin Kowte," said Schober.
According to Baska, the Defence Ministry is working on a proposal to broaden Slovakia's military mandate in Afghanistan. "We plan to submit the mandate amendment to a Government session some time next year and increase the number of our troops in Afghanistan," he said, adding that the reinforcements will focus mainly on training the Afghan security forces, be they army or police.
A total of 245 Slovak troops are serving in Afghanistan at the moment.
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