KUNDUZ CITY - The Security Transition Commission head says the combat ability of Afghan forces has considerably improved but the air force will continue to need NATO support after 2014.

Addressing a news conference in Kunduz province late on Wednesday, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai said the Afghan security forces had gained enough ground offensive strength.

Local forces had independently conducted most of the ground operations this year, showing the ability to continue in this role after an end to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission, he added.

But he acknowledged the nascent air force would have to rely on support from NATO in coming years. The ongoing transition process that was initiated a year ago would be completely in an orderly manner by the end of 2014, he hoped.

He stressed: "People’s cooperation is urgently needed for lasting stability in Afghanistan, because security forces cannot enforce peace without public support."

Speaking on the occasion, Kunduz Governor Mohammad Anwar Jagdalak and his Takhar counterpart Ahmad Faisal Bekzad said security situation in their provinces had been on the mend. But the local forces still needed to be better equipped, they explained. (Pajhwok)