From Xinhua: The last batch of 70 Portuguese troops to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) left on Monday for Afghanistan to complete Lisbon’s planned deployment.

The troop of a rapid reaction force aboard a C-130 plane left from a military airport in Lisbon. They will complete the Portuguese military deployment of a total of 162 men in Afghanistan.

Among them, 150 came from the Portuguese Army, with 12 others from the Air Force.

The contingent aimed to "keep the security of the Afghan capital Kabul," said Ramos de Oliveira, spokesman for the Armed Forces Staff. …

In mid-2008, Portugal reduced its military presence in Afghanistan to 100, but it agreed last year to increase its troop level.  (photo: militaryphotos.net)

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