Spain approves funds for Afghan battalion

MADRID, July 8 (UPI) -- Spain approved a measure Tuesday that would fund an Afghan battalion to fight Taliban militants in Afghanistan's northwestern province of Badghis.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense announced plans to fund the creation of a 600-soldier Afghan battalion under a measure that allocates approximately $34.4 million for the operation, Adnkronos reported.

The troops eventually will be part of a permanent base for the Afghan army in Badghis province. Officials say the funding measure also will pay for supplies including vehicles and weaponry for operations around Qal-i-Naw in Badghis.

The funding measure restricts Spanish soldiers from fighting the Taliban directly, leaving the combat to the Afghan army. Instead, the Badghis base will support the Spanish provincial reconstruction team.