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Soldiers

Spanish Troops Deploy to Afghanistan as Part of NATO Mission

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Fifty Spanish soldiers have departed for Afghanistan on Monday, joining the United Nations mission led by NATO forces to train the Afghan Army and enhance the country's ability to maintain peace and security. The deployment is part of Spain's commitment to continue its political and security missions in Afghanistan, with a total of 1,500 soldiers and officers currently serving in the country. The Spanish government has emphasized the importance of training the Afghan army and police as a key factor in achieving NATO's objectives, including transferring full security responsibility to the Afghan Army by 2014.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Spanish deployment is part of the United Nations mission led by NATO forces to train the Afghan Army and enhance peace and security in the country.
  • The number of Spanish armed forces in Afghanistan is 1,500 soldiers and officers.
  • Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has stated that training the Afghan army and police is a key factor in achieving NATO's objectives in the country.
  • The Spanish government plans to transfer full responsibility of security to the Afghan Army and provide conditions for self-government by 2014.
  • Prime Minister Zapatero will explain the situation of Spanish armed forces in Afghanistan to the Spanish Congress on Tuesday.
  • The Iraqi defense minister stated that Spain's commitment to Afghanistan is part of its nation's commitment to continue its political and security missions in the country.

Statistics:

  • 50 Spanish soldiers departed for Afghanistan on Monday
  • 1,500 Spanish soldiers and officers are currently serving in Afghanistan
  • 2014 is the target year for transferring full responsibility of security to the Afghan Army
  • NATO's mission in Afghanistan is to train the Afghan army and police to achieve security and stability in the country

Sources:

  • "Fifty Spanish soldiers depart for Afghanistan on Monday as part of NATO's mission." KUNA, March 19, 2009.
  • "Spain has 1,500 military personnel in Afghanistan in addition to 50 soldiers departed on Monday." KUNA, March 19, 2009.
  • "Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will explain the situation of Spanish armed forces in Afghanistan to the Spanish Congress on Tuesday." KUNA, March 19, 2009.

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