Finland to increase number of peacekeepers in Afghanistan

New assignments call for amplified weapons arsenal

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Finland is strengthening its peacekeeping representation in Afghanistan.
      Today, Monday, a 25-strong reinforcement unit will be sent to Kabul.
      The changing nature of peacekeeping activities also calls for enhanced weaponry for the Finns stationed in Afghanistan. Additions to their equipment will include scope rifles, shotguns, and grenade pistols.
      Colonel Vesa Kangasmäki, director of the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre in Niinisalo, explains that troops are always equipped in accordance with the specific requirements for each assignment.
     
The latest addition means Finland is increasing the strength of its troops in Afghanistan from 90 to 100. Simultaneously, the emphasis of the operation is shifting from the capital Kabul into the rural areas in the north of the country.
      In Kabul, the Finns' mission has been to promote cooperation between soldiers and civilians, and to launch educational, day-care, and medical care relief projects.
      Now the Finnish troops will move into territorial stabilisation groups to keep in touch with local chiefs and to help to set up a security regime for the country.
      The Finns also train and equip the Afghani police force.
     
Last week, ten Finnish soldiers were among those targeted in an attack by demonstrators and armed men against a base of the international ISAF peacekeeping forces in Maymana in the northwest of Afghanistan. The uproar was sparked by the Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
      The Finnish soldiers used their assault rifles to fire shots in the air, as they did not have any other means of riot control.
      "The Finns in Maymana were mainly staff and logistical corps. The Norwegian peacekeepers and the local police were primarily responsible for the riot control. The Finns did what they had been trained to do in such situations", Kangasmäki commented.
     
The surveillance groups operating in the rural areas will be equipped with grenade pistols, shotguns, and precision rifles for their own protection.
      In addition to shrapnel grenades, the grenade pistols can also be used to fire tear gas and stun grenades. Their need, however, will be assessed later.
      The groups use cross-country vehicles to move around and often spend the night in tents. One such group travelling with the Afghani army was ambushed a few weeks ago, but managed to escape the situation unharmed.
     
In the spring of 2004, Kangasmäki acted as a commander in Kosovo, during which time the Finnish troops were involved in controlling rioting crowds of 10,000 to 15,000 people. The Finns were equipped with batons, shields, helmets, and protective gear.
      "I then realised that between the baton and the assault rifle, we had no other means of controlling angry mobs. I then submitted a motion to investigate the use of riot control equipment such as rubber bullets, water guns, and stun grenades."
      Just under a year ago, the Finnish troops deployed in Kosovo were equipped with tear gas grenades.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Armed protesters attack Afghan base used by Finnish peacekeepers (8.2.2006)

Links:
  NATO – ISAF

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