"We will no longer plan, execute or lead combat operations (in Afghanistan)," NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced on Tuesday, while speaking at a ceremony marking the final phase of security transition in Afghanistan from foreign forces to domestic forces.
"By the end of 2014 our combat mission will be completed, and a new mission will begin. Together with our partners, we are planning to continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces. And NATO will also play its part in the broader international efforts to ensure the long-term sustainment of the Afghan security forces. NATO and Afghanistan, along with our partners, will continue this journey together, based on a new relationship that will remain strong for the years to come," he told a gathering of President Hamid Karzai, senior Afghan government officials, the international community and ISAF troop contributing nations.
The NATO chief said the decision marked an important milestone, calling it "a day of pride for all Afghans and the 50 nations which contribute to ISAF." As Afghan forces step forward, ISAF's role will shift from combat to support.
Rasmussen stressed that while the ISAF combat mission will be completed at the end of 2014, NATO is planning a new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan security forces. NATO and Afghanistan, he said, would continue the journey to create a stable future "based on a new relationship, that will remain strong for years to come."
ISAF Commander Gen. Joseph F. Dunford congratulated the people of Afghanistan on reaching "Milestone 2013."
"No longer are the Afghan people reliant on coalition forces to provide security. Afghan soldiers and police are now protecting fellow Afghans," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He stressed that the final phase of security transition "is a cause for celebration, not apprehension."
The U.S. General recalled that two weeks ago, the NATO Defense Ministers approved the concept for a new mission in Afghanistan beginning in 2015. The details of this new mission, called 'Resolute Support,' will be developed in the coming months.
While admitting that challenges are lying ahead, Dunford said "today's announcement recognizes the ability of a sovereign Afghanistan to meet those challenges. The Afghan people will see their sons and daughters providing security. The enemies of Afghanistan will see a capable, credible force."
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