Backgrounder:
Military Strengthens its Reconstruction and Stabilization Efforts in Afghanistan
NR06.057 - September 15, 2006
OTTAWA The Department of National Defence today announced the strengthening of reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan.
The enhancements are being sent at the request of Brigadier General David Fraser, Commander Task Force Afghanistan, and Lieutenant General Michel Gauthier, Commander Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, in light of the changing tactical situation in the area.
The enhancements will help secure the region around Kandahar, thereby enabling reconstruction efforts. The new assets will give the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) an integral security capability to achieve its objectives and allow for greater mobility on the ground while improving security for troops.
"We have reached the stage where, with a small increase in personnel and equipment, we can dramatically multiply our opportunities to secure and stabilize the region," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. "The sooner we can provide the security and stability, the sooner we can help the Afghan people develop a positive and independent future for themselves and their children."
The additional capabilities will be sent to Task Force Afghanistan immediately including:
An infantry company from Valcartier, Quebec, to protect and escort the PRT, to provide a quick reaction force for Kandahar city, and to undertake defence and security tasks;
A Leopard tank squadron from Edmonton, Alberta, to better protect and enable the Canadian Forces to fight in those areas where Taliban forces have established well-coordinated and determined defences;
Military project managers (military engineers) to enhance the PRT's capability to manage quick impact reconstruction and development projects; and,
A counter-mortar capability to locate Taliban forces that are targeting Canadian Forces installations with indirect mortar fire.
These enhancements and associated resources will raise the number of deployed CF troops in Afghanistan to approximately 2,500.
Deploying new or additional capabilities during a mission is a normal practice as the situation in the region dictates. Under the United Nations mandate NATO and its allies, including Canada, are constantly assessing the needs and requirements of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
The mission for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan remains unchanged. The people of Afghanistan asked Canada and NATO to help bring peace and stability to their country. Therefore, Canada and NATO are committed to assisting Afghans in rebuilding their war-ravaged nation and in creating a better future for themselves and generations to come.
- 30 -
Note to Editors: For more information on operations in Afghanistan, please visit the Op ATHENA website at the following link: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp
