Mehterlam: A coalition official says Afghan forces have taken over responsibility for security in the capital of an eastern province.
Gen. James Bucknall, deputy commander of coalition forces, said Tuesday's handover of the capital of predominantly Pashtun Laghman province is a powerful signal to insurgents that progress is being made in Afghanistan. Mehterlam is one of seven areas that will transition to the Afghan government this month.
It is the first phase of a three-and-a-half year plan that will eventually see the entire country under Afghan control by the end of 2014, when all American and other foreign combat forces are to withdraw.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011, 17:34