NATO achieves a lot by strengthening Afghan forces

BRUSSELS (Pajhwok): NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said that Afghan forces were now more capable, professional and able to be in the lead for security responsibility in their own country.

Answering a reporter’s question on the last day of the alliance defence ministers meeting, Stoltenberg said NATO achieved a lot by strengthening the Afghan army and security forces.

“We have to remember that not so many years ago, NATO was in Afghanistan with a big combat operation, with more than 100,000, 130,000 troops in a combat operation. Now, the NATO presence is a 16,000-large train, assist and advise mission.”

Stoltenberg said they would continue to train the Afghan forces including helping them to develop air force, special operations forces, command and control, and in many other areas. “And we see the results because now the Afghans have an air force.””

The Afghan air force was able to conduct air operations and have a much larger special operation forces than they had before, the NATO chief said.

Ahead of questions and answers session, he said the situation remained difficult in Afghanistan, but NATO remained firmly committed to the country’s long-term security and stability.

“Our focus remains on the same: to provide the Afghan security forces with training and financial support, so that they can fight terrorism and create the conditions for peace.”  

nh/ma