NATO requests more troops to reinforce Afghanistan mission

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Thursday that the Alliance had requested a few thousand more troops to increase its presence in Afghanistan.

Stoltenberg said in a brief statement prior to a NATO Defence ministers meeting here that 15 nations had already "pledged additional contributions" to the Afghan Resolute Support Mission responsible for advising, training and assisting Afghan troops, reports Efe news.

"Our military authorities have requested a few thousand more troops for the Mission in Afghanistan and today, I can confirm we will increase our presence in Afghanistan," he said ahead of the meeting.

Resolute Support is a NATO military advisory mission activated in 2015 after the International Security Assistance Force was disbanded, which signalled the end of NATO combat operations in Afghanistan.

Stoltenberg said the mission was intended to "help the Afghans fight and help them take full responsibility for the security in their own country".

He also explained the increased support was especially needed in three areas: strengthening Afghan special operations forces, developing the Afghan air force and stepping up Afghan officers' leadership and education training initiatives.

"This is about adjusting, strengthening the train, assist and advise mission in Afghanistan," Stoltenberg added.

The NATO mission, supported by Spain, currently has 13,576 military advisors, according to the latest NATO figures.

--IANS

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