Madrid - Spain is considering increasing its contingent of troops in Afghanistan to ensure their security, Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said Friday. The minister made the comment after Spanish troops repelled an insurgent attack in central Afghanistan on Thursday, killing 13 of the attackers in a six-hour battle, according to the Spanish government.
None of the Spaniards were injured.
The mission in Afghanistan was Spain's riskiest, Defence Minister Carme Chacon said in a television interview, stressing the need to avoid civilian casualties.
Spain has around 800 soldiers based permanently in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). About 500 more soldiers were sent to ensure security during the August 20 elections.
