U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has welcomed the formal transfer of security lead throughout Afghanistan to Afghan national security forces for the first time since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, noting that the milestone was achieved due to determination and sacrifices of the Afghan people.
"This critical milestone is a tribute to the determination of the people of Afghanistan to take responsibility for their country's future, and it was made possible by heavy sacrifices on the part of the United States, coalition partners, and the Afghan forces," Hagel said in a statement on Tuesday.
He also hailed the leadership of Afghan President Hamid Karzai in helping to oversee the transition, and commended NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, for their "tireless efforts."
"Today is a day for all Americans to take pride in the hard work our service-members and their civilian counterparts are performing every day in Afghanistan," Hagel said.
"This achievement keeps us and our coalition partners on track to bring our combat mission to a close next year and transition to a noncombat train, advise and assist mission that will help ensure Afghans can sustain security into the future," he added.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.