Afghan forces take over security of Kandahar

Afghan security forces on Wednesday (July 18) officially took over security of Kandahar City and three districts of Kandahar province from foreign forces in the third phase of security transfer. In this connection a ceremony was held inside the base of 205th Attal Corps in Kandahar which was attended by Defence Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak, Head of Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) Abdul Khaliq Farahi, Governor Kandahar Toryalay Wessa, provincial police chief, members of parliament and provincial council, tribal elders and a large number of government officials. Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak said on the occasion that the government had proposed security transfer to Afghan forces long ago, however, the proposal was accepted three years back and the process of transfer of security responsibilities to Afghan forces started. Had this proposal been accepted at that them, the whole country would now be in the control of Afghans, he said. Head of IDLG Abdul Khaliq Farahi also addressed the ceremony and urged foreigners not stop assistance to civilian sector and help the government in raising capacity of the government departments and officials. Governor Toryalay Wessa and other participants emphasized on strengthening intelligence agencies, equipping and training of Afghan forces. Security of Uruzgan province was also transferred to Afghan forces yesterday.