German Defense Minister Rudolf Scharping says German special forces are helping to track down al-Qaida fighters in Afghanistan.
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild, Mr. Scharping confirmed that German soldiers have been in Afghanistan for several weeks, working alongside U-S and British soldiers.
It is the first time German troops have been involved in a major military operation on foreign soil since the end of World War Two.
Germany offered up to 39-hundred troops, including special forces, for the war on terrorism as part of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's promise of solidarity with the United States after the September 11th attacks.
Germany is one of 17 states contributing troops to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan that helps the interim government maintain order in the country.