Stay extended for Dutch Apaches in Afghanistan
Five Dutch Apache attack helicopters in Afghanistan have had their stay extended until until mid-November.
The aircraft had been due to depart the country in the middle of October but are being held back to provide air support to ISAF partners and the Redeployment Task Force.
The stay of the Apaches is extended because the movement of some of the last Dutch convoys was delayed because of damage to the road between Kandahar and Tarin Kowt. Moreover, it is known that the availability of air support operations in Afghanistan was decreasing elsewhere in southern Afghanistan which meant that air support for both the redeployment convoys would therefore be insufficient.
Australia has also urged the deployment of Apaches to be extended, so that emergency air support to ISAF partners is assured. Through this support, the Combined Team Uruzgan, the successor of the Dutch Task Force Uruzgan can continue its work. The request underlined the importance of the Apaches, who are active in Afghanistan since 2004.
The Apaches are part of the Air Task Force (ATF). This unit also consists of four F-16 fighter planes that are primarily used for securing the redeployment. Three Chinook transport helicopters ended early this month is their contribution to the ATF and arrive next week in the Netherlands.
Source: Netherlands MoD
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