Tonga's fifth contingent to Afghanistan is expected to leave Tonga for the United Kingdom on Friday, September 14.

Lt Commander Brisbane Lokotui said that a total of 55 soldiers, including three women, led by Captain Toni Fonokalafi will take part in a six-weeks pre-deployment training in England.

He said the troops expected to be deployed to Afghanistan around mid-November, when they take over duties from the fourth contingent who will then return to Tonga.

The Tongan troops will be carrying out the same duties of base security at the British Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Southern Afghanistan.

A farewell church service for the troops was held on Sunday, September 9 at Taliai Camp attended by Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, and families.

Tongan troops will remain in Afghanistan for two more years with a review of their service to be held after the first year in December 2013.

Deployment

Tonga started sending contingents of 55 soldiers to Afghanistan in 2010, in response to an invitation by the British government.

The Tongan troops are on a six-months rotation, where they come under the command of the NATO-led mission.