Minister coy on Afghanistan troop boost

Defence Minister Marise Payne has flagged talks with the US on Australia's role in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump unveiled his new war blueprint.

President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump's new strategy for Afghanistan will have implications for Aussie forces. (AAP) Source: AAP

The Turnbull government has not ruled out increasing Australia's military commitment to Afghanistan after US President Donald Trump unveiled his new war blueprint.

Mr Trump has reneged on repeated pre-election promises to pull US troops out of the war-torn nation, instead flagging forces are likely to remain for years to come.

Reports suggest America will boost its 8400 forces in Afghanistan by 4000, but Mr Trump did not confirm this when announcing the new plan.

He urged NATO allies and global partners to support his new strategy with troop and funding increases. "We are confident they will," he said.

In May, Australia's government made a modest boost of 30 to its mission, bringing the total troops in Afghanistan to 300.

Defence Minister Marise Payne says Australia is making a significant contribution to operations in Afghanistan as well as Iraq, Syria and our region.

"We will examine the president's statement, consider any expectations of counterpart nations and engage in discussion with the US on those matters," she said in a statement.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said Australia's mission in Afghanistan was crucial to national security in both countries.

"We remain committed to ensuring that mission is a success," she told AAP.

"I don't think speculating about future requests is helpful."

Australian Defence Association chief Neil James doesn't think the president was referring to Australia, saying he was more likely talking about Europe and Pakistan.

"You'd have to say the Americans don't regard us as one of the strategic bludgers," Mr James told AAP.

He expects Australia could be asked to send more defence medics, intelligence support and trainers to mentor Afghan soldiers.

Australian National University expert John Blaxland said it was in the national interest to resist the siren call to alter Australia's existing commitment.

"The incidents in Marawi (in the Philippines, involving Islamic State militants) demonstrate that the world we live in, in our patch is much more problematic, much more unstable and requires our undivided attention," he told AAP.

Security agencies estimate more than 750 southeast Asians have joined terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, including about 110 Australians.

Former army chief Peter Leahy says it's conceivable the 17-year Afghan war could play out over another 17 years.


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Source: AAP



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