BRUSSELS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The larger part of the special Afghanistan unit comprising 165 Dutch marines and commandos is leaving for their destination next Monday, Radio Netherlands reported Thursday.

    They will be stationed in southeastern Afghanistan, where they are to help restore central authority. Their first task will be charting the situation in their assigned area. If necessary, they are also available for combat duties against al Qaeda or Taliban fighters.

    Dutch Defense Minister Henk Kamp will be present at Eindhoven air base when the soldiers depart for Afghanistan, where they will spend four months as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    The special forces task group will primarily conduct reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions, and may also be used in combat.

    The Dutch government considers that the risks associated with the mission are justified in view of the importance of Operation Enduring Freedom and the specific training the troops have received.

    Operation Enduring Freedom began on Oct. 7, 2001 under United States command with the objective of taking out Taliban military installations and al Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan. The Netherlands has already made a contribution which included severalF-16 fighter aircraft and a navy frigate. Enditem