Defense minister pays morale-boosting visit to Czech troops in Afghanistan

The Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnický paid a morale-boosting visit to Czech troops in Afghanistan on Sunday ahead of the Christmas holidays. Although NATO’s ISAF mission in the country is slowly drawing to an end and many countries are pulling out their troops, the Czech contingent will remain to serve in NATO’s non-combat operation Resolute Support.

Martin Stropnický (right), photo: CTK

At this time of year the security situation at Bahram base tends to improve, but this year attacks by Taliban radicals have only intensified. Sirens announcing a missile attack sound on average three times a week and over the weekend alone extremists killed 22 people in different parts of the country. Arriving in Kabul Defense Minister Martin Stropnický said it was important to show the troops that their work was appreciated.

“This is a very difficult mission and we want our soldiers to know that we are aware of that and appreciate the work they are doing here.”

The defense minister brought the troops letters from their families and Christmas goodies provided by the army – a desk football game, non-alcoholic sparking wine, an assortment of cheeses and honey cake. There was also a special delivery of several Czech fir trees for Christmas to remind the boys of home, Christmas cookies and ingredients for the traditional Czech Christmas dish – carp and potato salad. If the security situation allows, the troops will be able to watch a number of Czech films over the Christmas holidays.

Presently there are 285 soldiers serving under NATO’s ISAF mission, but unlike troops from other countries they will not be packing their bags to return home at the end of the year. The Czech Republic has agreed to provide 300 troops to NATO’s follow-up non-combat mission Resolute Support in 2015 which will have 13,000 troops altogether. The mission would have support-status alone, with security and combat operations in the hands of Afghan troops.

Photo: CTK

It is the upcoming change of guard which is likely behind the intensified attacks by Taliban insurgents who are seen as trying to demoralize and undermine Afghanistan's own security forces. The chief surgeon at the Czech field hospital in Afghanistan Radek Pohnán says the hospital has its hands full treating injured soldiers.

“Most of the injuries we are treating are injuries from home-made explosive devices and also injuries sustained in direct fire.”

The 2015 non-combat mission Resolute Support will be led primarily by the US, Germany, Italy and Turkey. The Czech Republic is making the ninth biggest contribution to the force.