July 29 2010
The tiny Pacific kingdom of Tonga has committed a military contingent to Afghanistan, to begin service there later this year, reports the ABC News (Australia).
A total of 275 troops will serve with British forces for two years, said Brig. Tauaika 'Uta'atu, Tonga's defense chief.
The move is expected to create jobs and help with unemployment, said officials.
The U.K. is paying for Tonga's deployment, which is expected to cost more than US$3.9 million a year.
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