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More New Zealand troops could be sent to Afghanistan in the face of a growing Taliban insurgency, a move that could lead to a change in their rules of engagement.
Joint Forces Commander Major General Rhys Jones said yesterday the threat in Bamyan province was increasing, with a greater risk of suicide bombings and attacks on infrastructure.
Kiwi soldiers could do little to fight insurgents under their reconstruction mandate, and if attacks increased then more troops and protective vehicles could be needed.
"They are armed and protected just enough to protect themselves."
The Government confirmed last night that Taliban activity was increasing, and that if the Defence Force needed reinforcements its wish would probably be granted.
General Jones said the instability could prompt a "changing role, from human assistance to security and stability". The Government said that would be considered by the Cabinet.
New Zealand has 107 troops in Afghanistan, most of them part of the provincial reconstruction team based in Bamyan.
The team has built 20 village wells, five bridges and five flood protection walls, has opened five police stations, and has provided defibrillators to a hospital.
Soldiers have also destroyed six tonnes of munitions.
But recent reports suggest instability is growing and General Jones said "the rise in tension is noticeable".
This year has been the deadliest in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion led by the United States, with official figures stating about 6300 people - mostly militants - have been killed.
New Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon is warning that the war in Afghanistan will be lost unless Nato and its allies change tactics, and the United States is reviewing its mission amid fears that Taliban and al Qaeda forces are gaining ground.
Prime Minister Helen Clark recently announced the Kiwi deployment would last till at least September 2009.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Phil Goff said last night that the Government was reviewing the situation. If a request for more troops was made, the Cabinet would probably support it.
"If it's determined that more security was required, that would occur."
National's defence spokesman, Wayne Mapp, said New Zealand had "fundamental obligations" in Afghanistan. "If it requires combat, that's what we have to be involved in."
General Jones said it was unlikely the Taliban could establish itself in Bamyan, but it could focus on one-off missions from outside the province's borders.
New Zealand's defence forces are already under pressure. Figures given to Parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee last month showed that the two infantry battalions are below strength.
Joint Forces Commander Major General Rhys Jones said yesterday the threat in Bamyan province was increasing, with a greater risk of suicide bombings and attacks on infrastructure.
Kiwi soldiers could do little to fight insurgents under their reconstruction mandate, and if attacks increased then more troops and protective vehicles could be needed.
"They are armed and protected just enough to protect themselves."
The Government confirmed last night that Taliban activity was increasing, and that if the Defence Force needed reinforcements its wish would probably be granted.
General Jones said the instability could prompt a "changing role, from human assistance to security and stability". The Government said that would be considered by the Cabinet.
New Zealand has 107 troops in Afghanistan, most of them part of the provincial reconstruction team based in Bamyan.
The team has built 20 village wells, five bridges and five flood protection walls, has opened five police stations, and has provided defibrillators to a hospital.
Soldiers have also destroyed six tonnes of munitions.
But recent reports suggest instability is growing and General Jones said "the rise in tension is noticeable".
This year has been the deadliest in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion led by the United States, with official figures stating about 6300 people - mostly militants - have been killed.
New Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon is warning that the war in Afghanistan will be lost unless Nato and its allies change tactics, and the United States is reviewing its mission amid fears that Taliban and al Qaeda forces are gaining ground.
Prime Minister Helen Clark recently announced the Kiwi deployment would last till at least September 2009.
A spokesman for Defence Minister Phil Goff said last night that the Government was reviewing the situation. If a request for more troops was made, the Cabinet would probably support it.
"If it's determined that more security was required, that would occur."
National's defence spokesman, Wayne Mapp, said New Zealand had "fundamental obligations" in Afghanistan. "If it requires combat, that's what we have to be involved in."
General Jones said it was unlikely the Taliban could establish itself in Bamyan, but it could focus on one-off missions from outside the province's borders.
New Zealand's defence forces are already under pressure. Figures given to Parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee last month showed that the two infantry battalions are below strength.