Australia rules out Afghan troop surge

Australia has announced that it will not send any additional forces to Afghanistan after a recent troop surge earlier this year.

Australian Defense Minister John Faulkner informed US Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Washington about Canberra's decision.

"There is a very clear understanding and appreciation of the fact that Australia increased the number of troops to Afghanistan very significantly on April 29 this year," said Faulkner.

Australia has the largest non-NATO presence in Afghanistan with 1,550 troops deployed.

Faulkner also said without the support of the Afghan people, the war in Afghanistan will not be won.

"My own personal view is that we will not prevail in Afghanistan unless we win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people," he said.

The Australians have lost 11 soldiers in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion began in 2001.

Despite the presence of over 100,000 US and NATO 'boots on the ground', the escalated militancy has made the current year the deadliest yet for foreign forces, as well as for Afghan civilians.