Czech defense minister pays unannounced visit to Afghanistan

Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnický paid an unannounced visit to Czech troops in Afghanistan over the weekend, bringing them Christmas gifts and letters from their families. The Czech defense minister also met for talks with Afghan top officials to discuss the security situation in the country amidst intensified attacks by Taliban radicals. There are currently 285 Czech soldiers serving in the country within NATO’s ISAF mission. Around 300 Czech soldiers are expected to take part in Resolute Support NATO´s non-combat, training mission in 2015.