NATO assumes command in eastern Afghanistan
5 Oct 06


General David Richards addresses Afghan parliamentarians in August 2006 [Picture: WO2 Fiona Stapley, ISAF]

NATO's International Security Assistance Force has assumed command of international military security operations in eastern Afghanistan from Coalition forces today, Thursday 5 October 2006, thereby extending the NATO-ISAF mission.

A ceremony in Kabul was attended by the President of Afghanistan along with a number of key members of his government, and NATO's Senior Civilian Representative; Ambassador Daan Everts.

A total of around 10,000 US troops have joined ISAF in Regional Command East, leaving around 8,000 troops to continue the US counter-terrorism lead role as well as providing support to reconstruction, training and equipping of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.

British Army General David Richards, Commander of NATO-ISAF, said:

"This is a historic day for both Afghanistan and NATO, and illustrates the enduring commitment of NATO and its international partners to the future of this great country.

"I would like to take this opportunity to pay particular tribute to the Coalition forces under the outstanding leadership of my friend and colleague Lieutenant General Karl Eikenberry; history will not forget your sacrifices and your achievements, you have left us an outstanding legacy; we will continue your good work."

Lietenant General Eikenberry, Commander of Coalition forces, added:

"A key point to remember in this transition is that the United States maintains its full commitment to Afghanistan. It will be undiminished. As a NATO member, the United States will remain by far the single-largest contributor of troops and military capability.

"We will also maintain our strong capability in support of counter-terrorism missions to strike al Qaeda and its associated movements wherever and whenever they are found. Moreover, our military will continue to play a central role in the training and equipping of the Afghan National Security Forces."

As a result of this transfer of authority, ISAF now has the responsibility for providing security assistance to the whole of Afghanistan with a force of approximately 31,000 soldiers from 37 nations. This force includes a total of 24 Provincial Reconstruction Teams throughout the country, with more under development.

General Richards concluded:

"It is important to realise that the 10,000 ISAF troops operating in the East today are the same soldiers who were operating there yesterday under Coalition command, but now under a new flag.

"There has been no reduction in capability. By bringing all of these forces under unified command we enhance the effectiveness of the operation, as we have far greater flexibility in the use of our assets.

"Throughout Afghanistan we will continue to confront insurgents when and where necessary. 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."