Defense

Afghan troops progressing faster

The top commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan believes government security forces have improved faster than expected and will be ready to take the lead...

Federal News Radio Custom Media@WTOPWFEDcustom

January 31, 2013 10:26 am

< a min read

The top commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan believes government security forces have improved faster than expected and will be ready to take the lead in the 11-year-old war against the Taliban when foreign combat forces take a back seat this spring. Marine Gen. John Allen told The Associated Press that the main job over the next two years for the International Assistance Force – as the NATO-led troops in Afghanistan are called – will be to advise, train and build the capabilities needed for Afghan forces to go it completely alone.