New Zealand to send light armored vehicles to Afghanistan

Saturday November 14, 2009 (1148 PST)

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WELLINGTON : The New Zealand government said the army vehicles would provide increased protection for 71 Special Air Service soldiers, especially from roadside bombs, Radio New Zealand reported on Friday.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the light armored vehicles would stay there as long as they were needed to provide increased protection for the personnel, particularly from roadside bombs, which were one of the greatest threats.

He said the troops were doing a difficult job in a dangerous environment and the government was committed to giving them the tools they needed. The vehicles are armed with a 25-millimeter cannon and two machine guns.

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