Italy pledges troops presence, support to Afghanistan

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Visiting Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerini has assured his country’s continued presence and assistance to Afghanistan within the NATO framework, an official statement said on Thursday.

The Italian minister visited his country’s troops deployed in the western Herat province bordering Iran on Thursday.

“Minister of Defence Lorenzo Guerini visited today TAAC (Train, Advise and Assist Command) West @ResoluteSupport in #Herat and praised women and men of the Italian armed forces stationed there for their role in training, advicing and assisting #ANDSF [Afghan National Defense and Security Forces] in west #Afghanistan,” the Italian Embassy tweeted.

Last evening, Guerini met Afghan government’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah in Kabul where they recalled the two countries' contribution to ensure peace in the region.

Due to its proximity with Iran, the presence of Italian troops in western Afghanistan has unique significance in ensuring security here.

There are growing concerns in the region over Iran's alleged support to the Taliban.

More than 50 Italian soldiers have died in Afghanistan since Italy sent over 4,000 troops for the fight against terrorism following the fall of the Taliban.