Afghanistan becoming more unstable say returning NZ troops

Wednesday November 01, 2006 (0130 PST)

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WELLINGTON: New Zealand Defence Force personnel returning from Afghanistan say security is worsening in the country.

The eighth rotation of troops flew into Ohakea Airbase on Monday, finishing a six-month tour rebuilding and patrolling the wartorn country.

The commanding officer of the contingent, Captain Ross Smith, says violence in Afghanistan increased during his time there. He says bombings and other incidents have slowly spread closer to where New Zealand troops are based.

Captain Smith says the Bamyan province, where most of the New Zealand troops were based, remained stable enough for the contingent to carry out its duties.

A ninth rotation of Defence personnel has already taken over in Afghanistan.