Germany to Withdraw Tornado Fighters from Afghanistan

Germany has decided to withdraw six Tornado fighter jets from Afghanistan and send 90 army personnel to help train Afghan military.

The Tornado jets will be withdrawn from Afghanistan in November under plans from German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, according to Reuters.

The Tornados, deployed in Afghanistan for three and a half years, were mainly used for taking aerial photos and reconnaissance missions with their advanced infrared sensors.

The decision has been taken following recommendations by commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) General David Petraeus to send in army personnel instead of airmen.