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Pentagon Extends Afghanistan Deployment For 3,200 Soldiers:

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A new order from the U.S. Department of Defense will keep 3,200 soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, in Afghanistan for an additional 120 days and away from their homes and families in Fort Drum, New York.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates signed the extension, which will help supplement the ongoing NATO effort to defeat a resurgent Taliban.

Pentagon spokesman, Bryan Whitman, says, "What is certain is that Secretary Gates is very interested in ensuring that the successes that we've achieved in Afghanistan are not lost, and that commanders on the ground have sufficient forces to build upon the successes that we've achieved so far in Afghanistan."

Gen. Richard Cody, Army vice chief of staff, adds, "The Army is very proud of the soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and will ensure that they and their families have all the support and resources they need during this challenging time."

"These soldiers have accomplished a great deal in Afghanistan and will continue to get the mission done for our Army and this nation. They and their families are truly Army strong, and I am thankful every day for their professional and selfless commitment."

Update: NATO asked to step up Afghan support:

Nato foreign ministers meeting in Brussels have agreed to step up their military and economic assistance to Afghanistan, officials have said.

The decision came as the US pledged an extra $10.6bn (£5.4bn) to bolster its Afghan effort and retain troops there.

On the even of the meeting, the US made it clear it expected other Nato members to bolster their commitment too.