BERLIN
The German government has decided to keep 850 soldiers in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO-led combat troops at the end of this year.
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s press office announced on Wednesday that Germany had decided to support NATO’s follow-on mission "Resolute Support" by deploying the non-combat troops in Afghanistan from January 1, 2015 for a period of one year.
The soldiers will provide assistance, advice and training for the Afghan army, the statement added.
The German government is obliged to seek authorization from the parliament for taking part in the Resolute Support Mission, but the consents appear assured as Merkel's coalition government enjoys a parliamentary majority.
Support mission
Germany has been one of the key contributors to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan since 2002 and has provided up to 5,350 soldiers to ISAF in the country's first international combat operation to be carried out by its modern, post-WWII army, or Bundeswehr.
A total of 55 German soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan, 35 of them in attacks or during military operations.
NATO'S ISAF mission will be completed at the end of 2014, after which the alliance will begin Resolute Support focused on providing support, advice and training for Afghan security forces.
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