Poland plans phased Afghanistan withdrawl

The official plans to dispatch a new mission reduced by 150 soldiers, also bringing down the number of mission-ready reserves back in Poland to 200 troops.

While the decision was welcomed by President Bronisław Komorowski, it has raised concerns among high-rank military staff, who fear that the curbed contingent may not be able to ensure security in the Ghazni province, it is responsible for under the NATO-led ISAF mission.

Head of the parliamentary committee for national defence Stanisław Wziątek, from the Democratic Left Alliance approved of the idea, though stressed that the decision cannot be solely a political gesture:

“What should follow is an overhaul of the character of the mission, as a smaller number of soldiers isn’t capable of fulfilling the same duties. Also, the changes must be consulted with the ally forces in Afghanistan,” he said.

As it stands, the peacekeeping mission is to transform into a training mission only next year.

At the onset of the NATO mission in spring 2007, the Polish contingent numbered 1,200 soldiers, and was upped to 1,600 a year later, when Poland took over responsibility for the southeastern Ghazni province. Over the two following years the figure grew reaching the present total of 2,600 troops with around 400 held in reserve.

The news of the phased withdrawl comes as two soldiers were wounded at the Warrior base in Ghazni province where many of the Polish troops are stationed after it was attacked by insugents, Wednesday.

The two wounded soldiers have been taken to a nearby hospital and their families have been informed. (ab/pg)