German parliament approves increased Afghan mission
The German parliament Bundestag has approved an increase in the number of Berlin’s military contingent in Afghanistan.
German lawmakers voted 480-112 on Thursday to authorize the military's continued deployment in Afghanistan next year, and increase the contingent's maximum size from 850 to 980.
The vote came more than two weeks after NATO foreign ministers agreed to maintain 12,000 troops in Afghanistan in 2016, of which the United States will provide 5,000.
NATO claims its mission in Afghanistan, known as the Resolute Support, provides advice, training and assistance to Afghan security forces.
Germany, the second main foreign force present in Afghanistan, has been calling for measures to stem the flow of refugees coming from Afghanistan to Germany. Afghans constitute one of the main groups of asylum seekers arriving in Germany this year.
Military deployments outside of Germany need parliamentary approval, with important missions like the one in Afghanistan requiring annual votes. Bundestag recently approved a plan by Chancellor Angela Merkel to contribute 1,200 troops, six reconnaissance jets and frigate to the so-called international coalition against Daesh in Syria and Iraq.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but after 14 years, insecurity continues to plague the country.
Taliban militants continue with their deadly attacks across Afghanistan while the Daesh Takfiri group is also wreaking havoc in the country.
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