Italy Revises Caveats for Afghan Troops

ROME (AP) -- Italy has revised some restrictions on Italian soldiers in Afghanistan, allowing them more easily to be deployed temporarily in volatile areas, defense officials said Tuesday (01 July 2008). Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa said during a visit to troops in Afghanistan that he had signed off on the revision. Gen. Vincenzo Camporini, the chief of staff, said the changes "are effective." The Defense Ministry confirmed both comments. (Reliability: 9)

Analysis: PM Silvio Berlusconi has telegraphed this move since winning reelection in April 2008. With a greater willingness to engage in combat with Taliban forces, it is likely Italy will see an increase in casualties in the coming months. As they leave their current bases around the capital of Kabul and Herat, in western Afghanistan, Italian troops will likely serve as supplemental troops to Canadian, British and American forces fighting on the front around Kandahar. (Confidence: 8.5)


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