German Parliament extends Afghan mission by 13 months

BERLIN – Germany's Parliament has voted to extend the country's military mission in Afghanistan by 13 months.

Parliament approved the extension on Thursday by a vote of 435 to 111. The German contingent is being slowly reduced as the country prepares to bring all combat troops home by the end of 2014.

The new mandate foresees a drop from a current maximum of 4,500 troops to 3,300 troops, which are stationed primarily in northern Afghanistan.

Germany says even after the combat troops are gone the country will continue to provide Afghanistan with long-term non-military assistance.

The mission is generally unpopular in Germany but is supported by most political parties. Parliamentary approval is required annually.