NATO Takes Over Afghan Duties From U.S

05/31/2004

May 31, 5:37 PM (ET)

HERAT, Afghanistan (AP) - U.S.-led coalition soldiers gave NATO troops responsibility for security in much of western Afghanistan on Tuesday, as part of plans for the 8,000-strong NATO force to gradually relieve American soldiers across the country.

The International Security Assistance Force, currently under NATO command, already maintains security in the capital, Kabul, and other parts of the nation.

The transfer of authority will free up troops in the 18,000-soldier U.S.-led coalition to concentrate on hunting al-Qaida and Taliban holdouts in the south and east of the country.

Italy took over a base in the main western city of Herat from the United States, while a U.S. outpost in Farah province also came under NATO control. Spain and Lithuania are to set up new bases in the adjoining provinces of Badghis and Ghor.

Lt. Gen. Ethen Erdagi, commander of ISAF, said the expanded duties will allow the force to increase its support for legislative elections in September.