German Chancellor Angela Merkel says it is not yet clear whether German troops will actually be withdrawn from Afghanistan by 2014, as is currently planned by NATO-led forces.
Speaking during a visit to German troops in Afghanistan's northern city of Mazar-e Sharif, Merkel said she and others support the 2014 withdrawal schedule but that a withdrawal then was not yet entirely certain.
The chancellor's comments come amid continued violence and instability in many areas of Afghanistan.
The Taliban has threatened revenge after a U.S. soldier killed 16 people on March 11 in a rampage in Kandahar Province.
Merkel expressed shock over the incident, calling it “a dreadful act."
Germany currently has some 5,000 troops serving in Afghanistan with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
Merkel last visited Afghanistan in 2010.
Speaking during a visit to German troops in Afghanistan's northern city of Mazar-e Sharif, Merkel said she and others support the 2014 withdrawal schedule but that a withdrawal then was not yet entirely certain.
The chancellor's comments come amid continued violence and instability in many areas of Afghanistan.
The Taliban has threatened revenge after a U.S. soldier killed 16 people on March 11 in a rampage in Kandahar Province.
Merkel expressed shock over the incident, calling it “a dreadful act."
Germany currently has some 5,000 troops serving in Afghanistan with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
Merkel last visited Afghanistan in 2010.