23 Sep 2008
In the wake of tough losses, France to increase presence in Afghanistan
After France suffered its worst military loss in 25 years when 10 soldiers were killed in an ambush by Taliban militants, the country was torn over an internal debate about the status of their military’s — and indeed their country’s — mission in Afghanistan and the world.
As I speculated following the initial reports of the ambush, it came to light that the soldiers were indeed ill-equipped for their mission and improperly supported by nearby forces. Now, about two thirds of French polled want their troops to come home.
Nevertheless, French President Sarkozy, whose party still holds a significant majority in the parliament, supports maintaining France’s 2600-man contingent as a part of the NATO force in the war-torn country. Accordingly, the parliament voted yesterday to send more men and equipment into the fray.
Much of this additional might will be intended to correct the material inadequacies that led to their heavy losses early in the mission.
Fillon said that France would send an additional 100 soldiers to Afghanistan “within weeks.” The troops would come with Caracal and Gazelle helicopters, drones, surveillance equipment and artillery that is better adapted to mountainous terrain, he said. (Full article here)