Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Thursday, March 28th, 2024

ANA to Take Full Security Responsibility By 2013

ANA to Take Full  Security Responsibility By 2013

KABUL - The Afghan National Army (ANA), whose strength has reached 195,000, will be able to take over security responsibility for the entire country by 2013, a defense ministry official said on Wednesday.
Two phases of security transition from foreign soldiers to Afghan forces have been completed, and the third is expected to start soon, paving the ground for a gradual drawdown of foreign soldiers -- a process to be completed by 2014.

Defense ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi said Afghan soldiers were adequately equipped and able to provide security for the entire country. The Chicago conference, due on May 21, would be a new phase for Afghanistan's development, he added.

Azimi told reporters in Kabul the summit would focus on security transition, funding, equipping and training Afghan forces. Russia and some other Asian countries will also participate in the meeting.

The Afghan government and the international community have agreed to increase the number of Afghan force to 352,000 and their strength would reduce to 230,000 by 2015, based on the security situation at that time, he explained.

If the situation warrants a large number of Afghan forces, then the reduction will take place gradually, he said, adding: "In case of need, the forces will not be retrenched."

There were problems in raising the air force, he acknowledged, hoping the issue would be discussed and resolved at the Chicago summit.

In response to a query, Azimi said: "Afghans would have to tolerate violence in some border areas as long as militants have safe sanctuaries outside the country." (Pajhwok)