Australia has agreed to increase its troops by 30 in Afghanistan to help train Afghan forces in the fight against the Taliban and other insurgents.
The country’s defense ministry announced the move on Monday following a formal request from the NATO and the United States.
“Given the centrality of Afghanistan in the global fight against terrorism, an enhanced Australian contribution to the Resolute Support mission is both timely and appropriate,” Austrian defense minister Marise Payne told a Senate committee on May 29. “We expect other partners to also enhance their contribution to the Resolute Support mission,” Payne added.
Currently, Australia has 270 troops in Afghanistan, all in non-combat roles.
The NATO-led Resolute Support mission consists of 39 nations with around 13,500 troops. Their aim is to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces and institutions.
U.S. military officials have recommended sending at least 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan and the country have requested its allies for contribution.
