NATO chief says Afghan security deaths up as they lead fight
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 November 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, NATO chief says Afghan security deaths up as they lead fight, 7 November 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea8599.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 07, 2014
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said Afghan security forces were dying in increasing numbers because they have assumed a leading role in the fight against the Taliban.
Speaking during a visit to Afghanistan's eastern city of Herat on November 7, Stoltenberg said Afghan forces "have already been in the lead and have had the main responsibility already for almost a year."
Figures this week showed that the number of Afghan soldiers and police officers killed in battle reached 4,634 so far this year – a 6.5 percent rise compared to 2013.
The second-ranking U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson, said on November 5 that "those numbers are not sustainable in the long-term."
NATO is to conclude its combat mission in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. Some 12,000 U.S. and NATO troops will remain in a training and support capacity.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
