Australian Gov't Extends Security Mission in Afghanistan Into 2017

Australian forces will continue their presence in Afghanistan in 2017, the Australian government said on Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the ministry, some 270 Australian soldiers are currently deployed in Afghanistan.

"Australian Defence Force personnel will continue to work alongside their counterparts from 39 other nations in non-combat roles into 2017," the joint press release by the Australian Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense published on the Australian government website said.

In addition, Australia "will extend its US$100 million annual commitment to the Afghan National Army and National Police until 2020," with $80 million to be allocated for the Afghan National Army Trust Fund and a $20 million given to the Afghan National Police.

Australia first deployed its troops to Afghanistan in 2001 and withdrew major part of the troops in late 2013. In 2010-2017, Australia allocated $500 million to the sustainment of the Afghan security forces.

Afghanistan is currently in a state of political and social turmoil, due to the continuing Taliban insurgency, which has expanded its activities in Afghanistan to major cities. At the same time, Kabul faces challenges from other extremist factions, most notably Daesh, outlawed in many countries including Russia and the United States, which also seeks to boost its influence in the country.