NZ army ‘counters terrorist threat’ by sending 3 soldiers to Afghanistan
New Zealand will step in to help solve a “deteriorating” security situation in Afghanistan by committing no more than three extra army personnel towards the NATO support mission in the country.
Just days after US President Donald Trump called for NATO allies to boost military capabilities in Afghanistan, New Zealand’s government confirmed troop numbers will grow by 30 per cent.
It means New Zealand Defence Force’s involvement will be increased from 10 personnel to 13 – all of whom are non-combatants.
“A deteriorating security situation has prompted the international community to refocus its efforts. Countries around the globe are making decisions to increase contributions to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven,” New Zealand Defence Minister Mark Mitchell said in a statement.
READ MORE: No troop pullout, threats to Pakistan in Trump speech on new Afghanistan strategy (VIDEO)
“New Zealand will continue to stand alongside our partners in supporting stability in Afghanistan and countering the threat of international terrorism,” he added.
#BREAKING - NZDF to deploy THREE more non-combat personnel to afghanistan, one more than the U.S (through NATO) asked for @SkyNewsAustpic.twitter.com/yKVIX8cOxV
— James O'Doherty (@jmodoh) August 24, 2017
New Zealand forces are deployed as mentors to cadets at Kabul’s National Army Officer Academy which is based on Sandhurst, a UK training center of the British Army.
The three additional personnel are set to be based in administrative roles in NATO headquarters in Afghanistan.
The small addition has been met with some ridicule online.
Wauw! An extra ... 3???? Soldiers for #Afghanistan. If this doesn't put an end to conflict, I don't know what can https://t.co/BSb2QRF0Na
— Pelle Christy (@pellechristy) August 25, 2017
https://t.co/e3PyoPe3YH
— Peace Action HAM (@PeaceActionHam) August 25, 2017
What exactly are we hoping to achieve by sending three more troops to Afghanistan?
Balancing means and expectations/commitments in an election year...New Zealand style https://t.co/wYZVHjLeFJ
— M. Davidson (@CabezadeShaka) August 25, 2017
What a huge increase in numbers...lol
— Sa'adi Rahman (@RahmanSaadi) August 25, 2017
New Zealand increases troops in Afghanistan from 10 to 13 https://t.co/dWUKQOmziq
On Monday, Trump stated how US military policy in Afghanistan would change “dramatically” without giving away many details on the overhaul.
“We will ask our NATO allies and global partners to support our new strategy with additional troop and funding increases in line with our own,” he said.
Speaking at Fort Myer, Virginia, the US president explained that a “core pillar” of the change would be keeping the dates of military operations under wraps.
READ MORE: Blast and shooting as gunmen attack mosque in Kabul
“I’ve said it many times how counterproductive it is for the United States to announce in advance the dates we intend to begin, or end, military options,” he said.
The question of Pakistan being a “safe haven” for terrorists was also posed by Trump.
“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond. Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan.”
