950 Soldiers, Staff to Remain in Afghanistan: Sources, CTV, 16 November 2010

EXCERPT: "The federal government plans to keep 950 soldiers in Afghanistan past the scheduled July 2011 end to combat operations, sources have confirmed to CTV News. The figure includes 750 soldiers to train Afghan troops and police, and 200 support staff. While their exact responsibilities and where they will be stationed are not yet clear, a senior official has confirmed that 'absolutely none' will work as operational mentors who go into combat with Afghan units. Reports suggest the federal government will be announcing specifics about the training mission on Tuesday. The news comes hours after opposition parties called on the government to release more details about the new mission, which is expected to end in 2014. [...] Harper confirmed last week that Canada would keep military trainers in Afghanistan for three more years, but did not specify how many soldiers and support staff would be involved. He has said because the mission extension is focused on training rather than combat, Parliament doesn't need to approve it."

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Related articles:
Conservatives bump Afghan withdrawal date back three years, The Globe and Mail, 16 November 2010
Canada extends Afghan mission for three years with new focus on training, Bloomberg, 16 November 2010
, AFP, 15 November 2010

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