Germany extends, draws down Afghan mission

February 01, 2013 nation.com.pk (AFP)

BERLIN   - Germany's lower house of parliament on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to extend the country's military presence in Afghanistan but aimed to slash troop numbers to 3,300 by February 2014. Members of the Bundestag voted by 435 to 111 with 39 abstentions to keep 4,400 troops in the war-torn region until next February. The maximum level was reduced by 500. Germany has agreed with its Nato partners to gradually pull combat forces by the end of 2014 as Afghan troops assume more responsibility for security.