From the Canadian Press: Spain’s government agreed Friday to send 220 more troops to Afghanistan, raising the total to about 1,000 and moving to help a hard-pressed allied coalition fighting the resurgent Taliban.

The decision now goes to parliament, which is expected to approve it.

Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said Spain wants to further contribute to the NATO-led mission to bring peace to Afghanistan. The U.S. has been urging its allies to send more soldiers.

Spain has had troops in Afghanistan since 2002. There are now about 1,200 Spanish soldiers in the west of the country, but 450 of them were sent to provide security for last month’s presidential election and are due to come home when the results are known. (photo: Reuters)