KABUL-led troops warned militants on Tuesday not to take advantage of their planned departure in 2014, as they were ready to strike in case of need to protect Afghan forces and civilians.
The warning came hard on the heels of the Chicago summit, where NATO leaders and their partners mapped out a post-2014 strategy for the country, pledging continued support to Afghan forces and government.
“We do expect the Taliban (Afghan National Security Force) after 2014. So this should be a strong signal to the insurgency and others that it cannot wait this out until 2014.
“The international community will continue to support and assist Afghanistan) spokesman.
Though many ISAF soldiers would return home over the next two years, the alliance would remain strong and capable of assisting the Afghan government and security personnel to defeat insurgents, he added.
The 130,000 international troops currently fighting against the Taliban across the country would be departing by the end of 2014, leaving behind a small force that would switch to a non-combat role.
“There will not be an end to combat for ISAF troops before the end of 2014 and we will also maintain capability to shift ISAF troops anywhere in Afghanistan, even in areas that have been turned over to Afghan forces,” explained Jacobson.
The brigadier general from Germany reminded armed groups that ISAF would continue to participate in combat operations until the end of 2014.
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