Afghan National Army soldiers received the security responsibilities of at least 7 districts in north-eastern Badakhshan province during the second phase of security transition from the NATO-led International Coalition Security Force.

Chief of the Commission for Security Transition Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai while speaking during the transition ceremony said, the International Community has vowed to provide Afghan Security Forces with the military equipments by next week.

Mr. Ahmadzai further added, Afghan security forces will not be able to defend the Afghan soil if the International Community does not assist Afghanistan in providing military equipments.

The second phase of security transition from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces was formally initiated following an inauguration ceremony in northern Parwan province at the beginning of December 2011.

The ceremony which was held on the occasion of the second phase of security transition to Afghan security forces was attended high level Afghan delegation including the interior affairs and defense ministers and foreign diplomats including the US ambassador to Afghanistan, NATO commander in Afghanistan.