STOCKHOLM, November 9 (TCA) — On Thursday Sweden said that it planned further reductions in the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan and also announced the extension its mission there through the end of 2013, DPA reported.

As Khaama Press informed, Sweden has currently deployed 500 troops serving under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan which is expected to reduce by 200 and as of the summer of 2013, Sweden estimated it would have a 300-strong contingent in Afghanistan.

The government also said it had agreed with the opposition Social Democrats and Greens to extend the Swedish troop deployment to the end of 2013.

Swedish forces would likely focus on training Afghan forces, the government said, adding it planned to increase its civilian aid to Afghanistan.



With reporting from DPA and Khaama Press