Qala-i-Naw (Afghanistan), Jan 17 (IANS/EFE): Spanish troops with begin pulling out from Afghanistan in October-November this year, with 150 soldiers set to return home first, Spain's defence minister said here.
In a statement after winding up a visit to Spanish troops in Afghanistan, Pedro Morenes said his country would stick to the withdrawal schedule it had agreed with NATO.
Spain plans to pull out in stages, with 10 percent leaving this year, 40 percent in 2013 and the remaining 50 percent in 2014.
The 10th anniversary of the start of Spain's mission in Afghanistan will be in late January. This has been the largest, toughest and most difficult mission Spain has carried out in 20 years, one that cost soem 100 lives.
Most of the 1,468 Spanish military personnel now serving with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan are stationed at Qala-i-Naw.