The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to extend the mandate of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan for the last time before it hands over total responsibility for security to Afghan forces at the end of 2014.
The resolution adopted by the council said the situation in Afghanistan “still constitutes a threat to international peace and security.”
It expressed serious concern about security in the country, pointing to ongoing violence and terrorist activities by the Taliban, al-Qaida, and other illegal and extremist groups as well as by criminals and those involved in the illegal drug trade.
The Taliban have escalated attacks in recent months as they try to take advantage of the withdrawal of foreign troops. In June, Afghan forces took the lead for security nationwide, leaving the NATO-led International Assistance Force known as ISAF entirely in a supporting, backseat role.
ISAF has dropped dramatically in strength as it prepares to leave — down from 130,000 troops two years to just over 87,200 troops on Aug. 1, including 60,000 Americans.
The Security Council extended ISAF’s mandate until Dec. 31, 2014, the final day for transferring full security responsibility to the Afghan government ....
