|
|
|||
| Info | NATO Support to Afghan elections 10
September 2004
NATO is increasing its presence in Afghanistan in support of the nation’s election process. These new troops will augment and support the already in–theatre forces boosting the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) capabilities leading up to the election. Elements of the Spanish Light Infantry Battalion that will be based in Mazar-E-Sharif as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) have already arrived. An Italian battalion, which will act as an Operational Reserve in Theatre, will be based in Kabul. For the first time in Afghanistan, a U.S. Rifle Company will come under the command of NATO when it deploys under ISAF Command. The Rifle Company will serve as a Quick Reaction Force while in theatre. All these forces are expected to be in place by mid-September. The U.S. 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment will remain at its base in Vilseck, Germany, and serve as the operational reserve for use as required by the ISAF Commander and is often referred to as an “Over the Horizon Force.” In addition to these forces, Provincial Reconstruction Teams are also being augmented; one German company in Feyzabad, one platoon from the Netherlands in Konduz and a second Netherlands platoin in Pul-E-Khumri. The Netherlands announced a six-month extension of its Apache Helicopter Detachment, committing them until March 2005. There will also be a significant increase to ISAF’s capabilities with additional key Air assets, all of which are expected to be in place by the end of September:
|
