Italy reducing its forces in Afghanistan, says Mauro

(ANSA) – Rome, October 17 – Italy is withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan and will leave as few as 1,800 by the first quarter of next year, Defence Minister Mario Mauro told a parliamentary committee Thursday.

The Italian withdrawal, in line with reductions by other NATO allies in the ISAF mission, will see the Italian contingent in Afghanistan reduced from 2,900 by the end of this year to 1,800 by spring.

Italy will maintain a presence in Afghanistan after 2014 through a support mission, involving 59 countries, where it will assist with business training and other forms of support excluding law enforcement, said Mauro.