The US will extend the stay of over 2,000 marines who are fighting insurgents in Afghanistan for one month.
The move comes amid US concern about rising violence in Afghanistan from Taliban Islamist militants and other groups. Defence Secretary Robert Gates said he extended the troops' stay from October to November at the request of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The Pentagon said this would not open the door for further US troop extensions. According to a news agency report June was the deadliest month for foreign forces in the country since the US-led invasion in 2001 ended the Taliban's rule. Earlier in the week Germany sent its first combat troops into northern Afghanistan to replace the Norwegian contingent.
(Deutsche Welle)
more info >>
<< Back