Afghanistan handover complete within weeks: Top ISAF cmdr.
Iran Press TV
Thu Apr 18, 2013 1:1PM GMT
A high-ranking commander of the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has stated that the final phase of security transfer from foreign troops to Afghan control would be announced within the next few weeks.
Deputy commander of the ISAF, Lieutenant General Nick Carter, says some 80% of military operations against the Taliban are currently being conducted by Afghan forces under a phase codenamed Tranche 4.
He added that the move to the next stage, Tranche 5 - the complete security handover to Afghan forces - is likely to be officially declared next month, and combat operations against militant groups will be carried out by indigenous units.
"It is absolutely the case that Afghans will be ready to assume national security by Tranche 5," Carter said. he noted that US-led forces will continue training and support operations until the end of 2014.
On March 30, Afghan special forces took control of troubled Nirkh district in Wardak province from US troops.
"As we pledged, our forces have transitioned Nirkh district to Afghan national security forces and they have now assumed full responsibility for security," US General Joseph Dunford, the top commander of American and NATO forces in Afghanistan, said in a statement. He said the rest of Wardak would transition "over time."
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.
According to the United Nations, thousands of Afghan civilians have died and hundreds of thousands more displaced during more than 11 years of long war.
MP/JR
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