Spain approves funds for Afghan battalion

Published: July 8, 2008 at 9:02 PM MADRID, July 8 (UPI) -- Spain approved a measure Tuesday that would fund an Afghan battalion to fight Taliban militants in Afghanistan's northwestern province of Badghis. The Spanish Ministry of Defense announced plans to fund the creation of a 600-soldier Afghan battalion under a measure that allocates approximately $34.4 million for the operation, Adnkronos reported. The troops eventually will be part of a permanent base for the Afghan army in Badghis province. Officials say the funding measure also will pay for supplies including vehicles and weaponry for operations around Qal-i-Naw in Badghis. The funding measure restricts Spanish soldiers from fighting the Taliban directly, leaving the combat to the Afghan army. Instead, the Badghis base will support the Spanish provincial... [read full story]