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Missions

The Netherlands currently has 862 personnel on missions abroad (status on 9 May 2012). The actual number of soldiers may differ due to rotation and leave.

The Defence organisation is currently involved in the following missions:

Afghanistan – ISAF

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supports the Afghan government in maintaining security. In addition, the military personnel are involved in various ways in the reconstruction of the country. 

Bosnia-Herzegovina – EUFOR

The main task of European Union Force (EUFOR) is to prevent the formerly warring parties from engaging in conflict again, and to monitor the observance of the Dayton agreements. 

Somalia – Ocean Shield and Atalanta

Various ships of the Royal Netherlands Navy are being deployed for anti-piracy missions off the coast of East Africa until mid-June 2011. The missions are Operation Atalanta (European Union) and Operation Ocean Shield (NATO). The naval ships are to increase security on the shipping routes near Somalia and discourage and disrupt acts of piracy.

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