German Cabinet Okays Afghan Troop Boost

BERLIN - Germany's Cabinet has formally approved plans to increase the country's troop contingent in Afghanistan by up to 850 troops.

Government spokesman Christoph Steegmans said Tuesday that the mandate under which German soldiers serve in Afghanistan will be raised to allow a maximum 5,350 to serve there - up from the current 4,500.

Under the plan, announced last month, Berlin will send 500 extra troops to Afghanistan and focus more strongly on training local forces. The new mandate will allow for another 350 soldiers to be deployed as a "flexible reserve," for example helping secure elections.

Parliamentary approval is still required for the mandate, as for all German deployments abroad. Steegmans said it will run through Feb. 28 next year.