UAE would be first Arab state to send combat troops to Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — Troops from the United Arab Emirates have been preparing to join the
NATO-led combat force in Afghanistan.
Diplomatic sources said the UAE has agreed to send a troop contingency
that would conduct counter-insurgency missions in Afghanistan. The sources,
confirming a report by the Toronto Star, said the UAE would send around
100 troops as part of the Canadian contingent. The UAE has not issued any
announcement.
This would mark the first time an Arab state joined the NATO mission
against Al Qaida and Taliban in Afghanistan. The UAE was one of three
nations that recognized the Taliban-led Afghan government until the U.S.-led
invasion in late 2001, Middle East Newsline reported.
Also In This Edition
The sources said Canada has been urging the UAE to contribute soldiers
and equipment to help stabilize war-torn Afghanistan. They said Abu Dhabi
has been preparing to expand its role in international peace-keeping
missions.
The Star said the UAE has been discussing a small force for Afghanistan.
The force could consist of four French-origin Leclerc main battle tanks, as
well as armored reconnaissance vehicles, two self-propelled 155 mm artillery
and a detachment of unmanned aerial vehicles.
"The UAE is capable of bringing considerable financial support to
development projects and would provide a Muslim face to the International
Security Assistance Force operations, providing a counterpoint to insurgent
rhetoric," the Star quoted a Canadian military report as saying.