South Asia News
Karzai says Afghan troops to lead security by 2014 (Extra)
Jul 20, 2010, 8:50 GMT
Kabul - Afghan President Hamid Karzai told an international conference in Kabul Tuesday that Afghan forces would be responsible for military operations throughout the country by 2014.
Karzai said Afghan troops and international military forces made significant strides in recent years.
'I remain determined that our Afghan National Security Forces will be responsible for all military and law enforcement operations throughout our country by 2014,' the president said.
There are around 140,000 US and NATO troops stationed in Afghanistan, but that number is expected to grow to 150,000 by August, when major operations in the southern region are planned.
Many NATO countries including the US, which has 100,000 soldiers in Afghanistan, have set targets to begin withdrawing troops amid the prolonged stalemate against the Taliban insurgency.
Some 70 international representatives, including nearly 40 foreign ministers, are attending the conference.
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