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AFGHANISTAN

Denmark to beef up military presence in Afghanistan

Denmark will strengthen its military contingent in Afghanistan with both personnel and investment to receive a boost in numbers, the Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday.

Denmark to beef up military presence in Afghanistan
A file photo from 2005 showing Danish troops in Afghanistan. Photo: Henning Bagger/Scanpix DK

The current Danish presence in the central Asian country is 80 people, who are primarily tasked with providing advice, support and training to the Afghan security forces. Their numbers will be boosted by a further 16 military employees based mainly in Kabul.

Along with a strengthening of the current military presence, the government confirmed that the current economic support of 100 million kroner ($15 million) per year will be extended until 2020.

“We have decided to continue financing the Afghan security forces through and including 2020 as well as our contribution to Nato's training mission in the country. It is necessary that we, together with the international community, continue to support Afghanistan so that the country can get back on its feet and combat terrorists,” said Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen.

“It is a difficult and fragile situation, but we must help the Afghans with the stabilization process so that they can see a future in their own country. This is also in Denmark’s interests,” Jensen continued.

Defence Minister Peter Christensen said that the continued Danish contribution to Afghanistan is a sign of the country’s solidarity with its international allies.

“The work of our Danish soldiers in Afghanistan has helped to make a difference in the country. We are now building on this by strengthening our military support,” he said.

“Denmark is standing with its allies – ready to take responsibility, show flexibility and adapt our work based on Nato's priorities and developments on the ground,” Christensen 

Denmark supported the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2002 and has participated in American and later Nato-led operations in the country consistently since. Danish support initially consisted of operations by Danish F-16 fighter aircraft and special forces, but later grew to a strong presence of soldiers on the ground, particularly in Helmand Province.

The last Danish combat troop unit left the country in January 2014.

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