The government said Tuesday it will extend the Ground Self-Defense Force mission in South Sudan as part of U.N. peacekeeping operations by one year after the current term expires Oct. 31.
The number of GSDF personnel to be deployed will increase to 400 from the current 350 as their activity areas are expected to expand. Their equipment, including light armored vehicles for transportation, will also be enhanced, according to the government.
A GSDF team has been deployed to the African nation since November 2011. It has so far been operating in Juba, the capital, and its vicinity to help build infrastructure.
The security situation in the area is relatively stable, according to the government.