Channel NewsAsia - 2 hours 50 minutes
ago
SINGAPORE : The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is deepening its
international security engagements. Two construction engineering
teams will be deployed to Bamiyan in Afghanistan this year, for
about three months each.
They will support the multinational reconstruction effort there
led by New Zealand’s Provincial Reconstruction Team.
About 2,000 SAF personnel have served in international
missions.
For example, a five—man dental team and five engineers were
deployed to Bamiyan in Afghanistan in 2007.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said that such contributions have
helped improve healthcare there.
Thus, two more construction engineering teams will be sent to
assist in reconstruction efforts.
In addition, an SAF medical team comprising 20 nursing and
medical officers will also be deployed to the provincial capital of
Oruzgan.
This will consist of two rotations of medical teams for about
three months each to the Field Hospital in Tarin Kowt, the
provincial capital of Oruzgan.
They are expected to provide primary healthcare and ward
capabilities to support the medical facility which is run by the
Dutch and Australian forces in Oruzgan.
The Defence Minister said it is important Singaporeans
understand the reason behind such deployments.
He pointed out that extremists have exploited an unstable
Afghanistan as a safe haven to train terrorists and export
violence.
Mr Teo said, "A number of JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) detainees who
had planned attacks in Singapore had trained in Afghanistan; and
more recently, a self—radicalised Singaporean was detained on the
way to join the Taliban in Afghanistan. The international community
recognises that the stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan
is critical in the global fight against terrorism."
So Singapore will contribute where it can — as such
contributions enhance Singapore’s overall security.
Mr Teo said that such deployment will involve risks to the
servicemen.
However, he assured that they will be well—prepared for their
role.
The personnel will be briefed on the ground situation and will
be trained to handle potential threats. — CNA/ms