KEY POINTS:
The threat of Taleban fighters moving into Afghanistan's Bamyan province could mean an increased New Zealand troop commitment, a Defence Force commander said today.
New Zealand has 107 defence personnel in Bamyan, running a provincial reconstruction team (PRT) with non-combatant duties and limited rules of engagement.
The area has been relatively peaceful, but Joint Forces Commander Major General Rhys Jones said there had been recent reports of Taleban fighters moving in.
"That gives us concern there may be attacks in our area," he said.
"We don't have a combat mission, and the protection we have is only designed to protect us in case we are ambushed or attacked."
Maj Gen Jones said all the options were under consideration, including more troops and combat patrols.
The Government would have to agree to those options, and a spokesman for Defence minister Phil Goff told NZPA requests were likely to be approved.
The spokesman confirmed the situation in Afghanistan was under review.
New Zealand has a total 117 military personnel in Afghanistan and the Bamyan PRT has been praised for its work.
Maj Gen Jones told Radio New Zealand local people supported it.
Its projects have included the construction of 20 new village wells, the repair of five bridges, the completion and opening of five police stations, the construction of a high school and the supply of equipment to hospitals.
"The mandate we have for our mission at the moment is one of humanitarian liaison," Maj Gen Jones said.
"We go around and discuss what the priorities for repair or support are."
The commander yesterday held a briefing on troops posted overseas, outlining their activities and operations.
He said 2008 would be a challenging year for the Defence Force as an "unstable world" put pressure on its resources.
New Zealand staff deployed overseas comprise eight in the Middle East, 26 in Sinai, 10 in southern Lebanon, 117 in Afghanistan (107 in Bamyan), one in Iraq, one in Kosovo, three in Sudan, three in South Korea, 183 in Timor-Leste, 44 in the Solomons and seven in Antarctica.
- NZPA
