ASPFOR XVIII

The new Spanish force in Afghanistan, ASPFOR XVIII, is made up of approximately 450 troops. Most of them come from the Canary Islands Troop Command HQ, mainly the 50th Light Infantry Regiment “Canarias”, based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. However, the force also includes soldiers from the 81st Logistic Support Group, based in Tenerife, and the Army Helicopter Unit.

ASPFOR XVIII at under the command of Colonel Honorio López Davadillo and assumed control of its area of responsibility on 16 November 2007. Authority was handed over by the previous commander, Colonel Pedro Rolán Araújo, who led the 1st Battalion “Roger de Flor” of the Parachute Brigade.

The transfer of authority ceremony was presided over by Major General Juan Miguel Mateo Castañeyra, commander of the Canary Islands Troop Command HQ, and Brigadier General Fausto Macor, commander of the International Security and Assistance Force, Regional Command-West (ISAF RC-W).

The troops which make up ASPFOR XVIII will remain in Afghanistan for four months as military component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, in Badghis, and the Quick Reaction Force, in Herat. Their main tasks will be providing security to the detachment, carrying out escort tasks and supporting the provincial government and the districts in their efforts to achieve a safe, stable and democratic environment.