Comment Tell A Friend Print Format Save Article The Defense Ministry expects that increasing the size of Denmark's contingent in Afghanistan will enable it to engage Taliban forces directly, said reports on Friday.



The ministry announced that it would deploy an extra 100 soldiers to the southern Afghanistan province of Helmand in October, bringing the total number of troops to 520.



With the increase, the number of troops surpasses the highest number of troops Denmark had stationed in Iraq during its four- year mission there.



As in Iraq, Denmark serves under British command in Afghanistan. And in addition to receiving reinforcements from home, the army will be given command over several British companies.



The extra troops will allow the army to directly engage rebel Taliban forces, according to Army spokesman.



The military has been given the task of restoring stability to the chaotic Helmand province. The Danes have been given responsibility for patrolling the cities of Laskhar Gar and Gereskh, the two largest cities in the province.



Source: Xinhua