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Nato takes over Afghan security
05/10/2006 12:26 - (SA)
Kabul - Nato assumed command of foreign forces in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, taking over from a US-led coalition that toppled the Taliban regime five years ago and completing its expansion across the country.
The transfer saw 10 000 troops, who had been operating in the east under the coalition, fall under the 37-nation International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), boosting it to about 31 000 soldiers nationwide.
The event was marked by a flag-changing ceremony in the capital Kabul attended by President Hamid Karzai and the top commanders of both forces.
Forces under one command
The transfer of authority would enhance the work of the foreign forces, bringing them under one command, ISAF commander General David Richards said at the ceremony.
"Throughout Afghanistan we will continue to confront insurgents when and where necessary," said the British commander, who was promoted to four-star general hours before the changeover.
"But the overarching purpose of our security operations is to enable improvements in government capacity and to accelerate reconstruction and development, for real benefit to the lives of all Afghans."
Searching for Osama bin Laden
About 8 000 troops will remain under the command of the coalition and focus on counter-terror activities - principally hunting al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden - as well as training and aircraft support duties.
The coalition invaded Afghanistan almost exactly five years ago, on October 7, 2001, and within weeks toppled the extremist Taliban government, which had sheltered al-Qaeda leaders blamed for the September 11 attacks in the United States.
The Taliban insurgency has grown stronger since then, with insurgents killing scores of foreign and Afghan troops in mass attacks and also intensifying a vicious campaign of suicide and roadside bombings.
- AFP
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