Poland to reduce troop numbers in Afghanistan
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
06.05.2013 08:25
The approaching 13th rotation of the Polish military contingent in Afghanistan is to be less numerous and with a smaller number of assigned tasks, the Defence Ministry has announced.
Afghan laborers pose for photograph: photo - EPA/JALIL REZAYEE
The next shift numbering 1,600 soldiers and auxiliary personnel shall assume its duties in mid May, Commander Janusz Walczak told Polish Radio.
The so-called strategic back-up force will stay the same manned by 400 troops stationed in Poland and ready for instant deployment.
The 13th shift is to transfer some of the present duties performed by the Polish contingent in Ghazni to local Afghan army units which shall assume full responsibility for the security of the province. The Poles will assist them in the medical sphere and provide air support and artillery cover, should need arise.
This also means that Polish troops will no longer take part in combat patrol missions.
Afghan army units are also to take over the entire 140 kilometer stretch of the strategic route from Kabul to Kandahar which has been protected by Polish soldiers.
Poland will withdraw troops which have been part of the ISAF international mission in 2014. (ss/pg)