German force in Kuwait being reduced

NBC defense force in Kuwait being reduced to original size

Given that hostilities have pretty much ended in Iraq and Kuwait is no longer exposed to the threat of terrorist attacks with chemical weapons the contingent of German NBC defense specialists stationed there is being reduced this week (May 5 to 9) from a current level of about 200 to 60. The contingent had been reinforced in March as a result of the increased threat to Kuwait at the time.

Defense Minister Peter Struck gave the order to reduce the size of the force and the amount of military matériel deployed. The number of 'Fox' NBC defense vehicles in place will be cut back from six to two. This will bring the contingent stationed in Kuwait in the context of Operation Enduring Freedom back down to its original size. This force strength will ensure an initial response capability. In Germany a supplementary contingent of round 200 soldiers is being kept ready for deployment on short notice.

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