Italy pledges more troops for Afghanistan

Italy will send around 1,000 extra troops to Afghanistan, the country’s Defence Minister said today.

Ignazio La Russa reiterated in comments to Milan daily Corriere della Sera that the exact figure would be determined soon but said it would be “below” the 1,500 figure that news reports claimed Italy would provide in response to a US request.

Mr La Russa was asked if the reinforcements would add up to 1,000 soldiers. He replied: “Let’s say yes.”

The American ambassador to Rome told La Stampa newspaper that the 1,000 figure was being discussed but needed to be worked out with Nato.

Italy currently has 2,800 troops in Afghanistan.