FED:Aussies to leave Afghanistan in two years

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2011
FED:Aussies to leave Afghanistan in two years

The number of Australian troops in Afghanistan will be reduced by the end of 2012 as
Defence works out how to withdraw forces within two years.

Fairfax media reports the pace of withdrawal from the Oruzgan will be accelerated rapidly
as the federal government tries to disentangle Australia from its decade-long commitment
to the US-led war.

Military sources have told Fairfax the fifth rotation of Australian mentoring soldiers,
due to arrive in Afghanistan in late 2012, will consist of 150 troops, compared with the
900 presently training the Afghan National Army.

The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant-General ASH POWER has told journalists a
plan to hand responsibility to Afghan forces will be unveiled early next year.

AAP RTV saj/psm/

KEYWORD: AFGHAN AUST (SYDNEY)

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