South Asia News
NATO hands over northern province to Afghan forces
Jan 25, 2012, 12:25 GMT
Kunduz, Afghanistan - NATO forces in Afghanistan on Wednesday handed over security control of the northern province of Balkh to Afghan forces.
The handover took place during a ceremony in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh, attended by the provincial governor.
NATO began handing over security responsibilities to the Afghan government in July. Seven areas are now under the control of Afghan forces.
In November, President Hamid Karzai said six entire provinces, seven provincial cities and 43 districts, covering half the Afghan population, would be gradually handed over to Afghan forces.
Balkh governor Ata Mohammad Noor said that the Afghan army and police would not able to secure the province unless they get proper equipment and training.
The 130,000 NATO-led international forces in Afghanistan have started a gradual withdrawal which is to be completed in 2014.
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