Chopper-aid to Afghanistan
Güncelleme Tarihi:
by Ümit Enginsoy
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Nisan 08, 2009 00:00
ISTANBUL - Turkey may send 19 Russian utility helicopters to the fledgling Afghan military as part of an increased commitment to Afghanistan, according to an official source. Turkey acquired the Mi-17 helicopters from Russia in the 1990s. They are presently in the inventory of the Gendarmerie Command.
U.S. President Barack Obama has pledged a larger military and civilian commitment to Afghanistan.
He has warned of major setbacks for the West's security if the insurgency is allowed to grow further. Obama has also urged NATO allies, including Turkey, to do more for Afghanistan, and received agreement from Turkish leaders when he met with them in Ankara on Monday, the source said.
Turkey primarily wishes to provide civilian-related help to the war-torn country. But the 19 helicopters would be a fairly large military contribution to the Afghan air force, which uses many Russian-made aircraft. The Turkish military also may send new trainers to help the Afghan army, the source said.
Turkey, the only Muslim nation represented in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, remains reluctant to send soldiers to fight Taliban militants in Afghanistan's lawless southern and eastern regions. The Turkish contingent in Afghanistan is on very good terms with all ethnic groups there, a status the country hopes to preserve, the source said.
He has warned of major setbacks for the West's security if the insurgency is allowed to grow further. Obama has also urged NATO allies, including Turkey, to do more for Afghanistan, and received agreement from Turkish leaders when he met with them in Ankara on Monday, the source said.
Turkey primarily wishes to provide civilian-related help to the war-torn country. But the 19 helicopters would be a fairly large military contribution to the Afghan air force, which uses many Russian-made aircraft. The Turkish military also may send new trainers to help the Afghan army, the source said.
Turkey, the only Muslim nation represented in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, remains reluctant to send soldiers to fight Taliban militants in Afghanistan's lawless southern and eastern regions. The Turkish contingent in Afghanistan is on very good terms with all ethnic groups there, a status the country hopes to preserve, the source said.