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FOREIGN TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN ISAF History: The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was created in accordance with the Bonn Conference, in December 2001, after the ousting of the Taliban regime. Afghan opposition leaders attending the conference began the process of reconstructing their country by setting up a new government structure, namely the Afghan Transitional Authority. The concept of a UN-mandated international force to assist the newly established Afghan Transitional Authority was also launched to create a secure environment in and around Kabul and support the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
These agreements paved the way for the creation of a three-way partnership between the Afghan Transitional Authority, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and ISAF.
ISAF is the NATO-led, UN-mandated operation in Afghanistan that was established to assist the Government of Afghanistan in maintaining security. ISAF is NATO's first out-of-area operation and is in line with NATO's transformation to meet the new threats of the 21st century.
ISAF Mandate: ISAF has a peace-enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Eight UN Security Council Resolutions – 1386, 1413, 1444, 1510, 1563, 1623, 1707 and 1776 – relate to ISAF.
However, ISAF is not a UN force. It is a coalition of the willing deployed under the authority of the UN Security Council. 39 nations throughout the world currently contribute to ISAF.
The NATO mission itself was created in accordance with the Bonn Conference of December 2001 and its tasks are detailed in a Military Technical Agreement of January 2002 between the ISAF Commander and the Afghan Transitional Authority.
In August 2003, upon request of the UN and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, NATO took command of ISAF.
Deployment: The main HQ at Afghanistan is located in the capital city of Kabul. There are five (5) Regional Command Centers, underneath them are the Provincial Reconstruction Teams:
Regional Command Capital o HQ RC(C) Kabul (Turkey)
o Kabul International Airport (KAIA) (Belgium) Regional Command North o HQ RC(N) Mazari Sharif in Balkh province (Germany)
o PRT Mazari Sharif in Balkh province (Sweden; Belgium, Denmark)
o PRT Fayzabad in Badakhshan province (Germany; Denmark, the Czech Republic, Belgium)
o PRT Kunduz in Kunduz province (Germany)
o PRT Puli Khumri in Baghlan Province (Hungary) (Previously the Netherlands)
o PRT Maymana in Faryab Province (Norway; Sweden)
Regional Command West o HQ in Herat, Herat province (Italy)
o PRT Herat in Herat province (Italy)
o PRT Farah in Farah province (USA)
o PRT Kala-e-Noe in Badghis province (Spain)
o PRT Chaghcharan in Ghor province (Lithuania; Denmark, US, Iceland)
Regional Command South o HQ in Kandahar, Kandahar province (Led by UK, soon to be under 6 Division
o PRT Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province (Netherlands and Australia)
o PRT Lashkar Gah in Helmand province (UK, Denmark and Estonia)
o PRT Kandahar in Kandahar province (Canada)
o PRT Qalat in Zabul province (USA and Romania)
Regional Command East o HQ in Bagram, Commander, CJTF-82, Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez.
o PRT Panjshir in Panjshir province (USA) (Previously PRT PARWAN (USA)
o PRT Mihtarlam in Laghman province (USA)
o PRT Kala Gush in Nuristan province (USA)
o PRT Asadabad in Kunar province (USA)
o PRT Jalalabad in Nangarhar province (USA)
o PRT Gardez in Paktia province (USA with the help of Poland)
o PRT Khost in Khost province (USA)
o PRT Maidan Shahr in Wardak province (Turkey)
o PRT Bamian in Bamian province (New Zealand Task Group Crib)
o PRT Ghazni in Ghazni province (US)
o PRT Sharan in Paktika province (US with the help of Poland) ISAF Aim of Operation: In addition to the overall task of assisting the Afghan government in extending its authority and creating a secure environment, in concrete terms, ISAF aims at:
Stability and Security Operation: Conducting stability and security operations in coordination with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF);
Assisting in Development of Afghan National Security Forces(ANSF): Assisting in the development of Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and structures, including training the new Afghan National Army (ANA) and National Police (ANP);
Reconstruction: Identify reconstruction needs, such as the rehabilitation of schools and medical facilities, restoring water supplies and providing support for other civil-military projects;
Disarm Illegally Armed Groups (DIAG): Support the Afghan government to Disarm Illegally Armed Groups (DIAG);
Counter Narcotics Efforts: Provide support to the Afghan government and internationally-sanctioned counter-narcotics efforts through intelligence-sharing and the conduct of an efficient public information campaign, as well as support to the Afghan National Army Forces conducting counter-narcotics operations. ISAF, however, is not directly involved in the poppy eradication or destruction of processing facilities, or in taking military action against narcotic producers.
Humanitarian Assistance: Support humanitarian assistance operations. Military Operations: 1. Security: ISAF's role is to assist the Government of Afghanistan and the International Community in maintaining security within its area of operation. ISAF supports the Government of Afghanistan in expanding its authority to the rest of the country, and in providing a safe and secure environment conducive to free and fair elections, the spread of the rule of law, and the reconstruction of the country.
• ISAF conducts patrols throughout the 18 police districts in Kabul and its surrounding areas. Over a third of these patrols are carried out jointly with the Kabul City Police. There is also presence and patrol activities conducted within the Provincial Reconstruction Team areas of operation.
• ISAF coordinates Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects throughout its area of operations. The CIMIC objectives are to assist the Commander of ISAF in his effort to support the Government of Afghanistan in maintaining and expanding security throughout the country, to support stabilisation, reconstruction and nation-building activities, and to co-operate with the International Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The CIMIC teams work in close co-operation with the local population and authorities and assess the situation concerning education, health, water, sanitation and internally displaced persons and returnees. They also initiate and monitor projects funded by either national or international donors.
• On a political level, ISAF works closely with the Afghan authorities, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), UN agencies, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the US-led coalition (Operations Enduring Freedom - OEF). ISAF has Liaison Teams that coordinate issues directly with the Government of Afghanistan, with UNAMA and other international players.
• ISAF also supports the Government of Afghanistan in its security sector reform efforts.
2. ANA Equipment Support Factsheet: The provision of direct support to the ANA is one of NATO-ISAF’s key military tasks. NATO-ISAF has now fought alongside the ANA and is committed to providing continued direct support to it, through mentoring, training and equipment support.
ANA Donation Programme: • NATO equipment donations programme in support of the Afghan National Army started in summer 2006 building on previous achievements on bilateral basis,
• NATO works in support of the G8 lead nation (USA) sponsoring the overall ANA training and equipping programme through Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan (CSTC-A),
• SHAPE( Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) coordinates equipment donations on behalf of ISAF contributing nations. Equipment donations completed: | Hungary | Assault rifles and ammo | | Lithuania | ammo | | Montenegro | assault rifles and ammo | | Slovenia | machine guns and ammo | | Switzerland | fire trucks + spares | | Turkey | howitzers and ammo |
Equipment donations underway: | Bulgaria | mortars, binoculars and ammo | | Czech Republic | helicopters | | Estonia | machine guns and ammo | | Latvia | rocket propelled grenades, mortars, various arms and ammo | | Luxembourg | funds for procurement of helmets and individual body armour | | Poland | ammo |
New offers: Greece:- Tanks Leopard 1 and ammunition An ANA Trust Fund: It has been established to cover the transportation and installation cost of the ANA donations. Contributions stand at 400.000 EURO:
| Denmark | 250,000 Euro | | Luxemburg | 50,000 Euro | | United Kingdom | 100,000 Euro |
3. Support to the Afghan government programmes to Disarm Illegally Armed Groups (DIAG): • 29 Sep 2007 - PRT Chaghcharan destroys ordnance
• 4 Sep 2007 - Weapons cache raided in Uruzgan
• 23 Aug 2007 - Significant weapons cache found and destroyed
• 20 Aug 2007 - Significant weapons cache found, destroyed
• 26 Jul 2007 - Afghan Border Police complete training in Herat
• 25 Oct 2007 - Afghan, ISAF forces launch Operation Spin Ghar
4. Counter-Narcotics: While supporting the Afghan government counter-narcotics programmes is an ISAF key supporting task, ISAF is not directly involved in poppy eradication, nor does it participate in the destruction of processing facilities, or in any military action against narcotic producers. When requested by Afghan Government, ISAF’s support consists in the sharing of information, the conduct of efficient public information campaign, and the provision of in-extremis support to the Afghan National Security Forces conducting counter-narcotics operations. ISAF also assists the training of Afghan National Security Forces in counter-narcotics related activities and provides logistic support, when requested, for the delivery of alternative livelihood programmes. The Afghan Government adopted a National Drug Control Strategy, adopted in May 2003, aims at reducing the production of illicit drugs by 70 per cent by 2007 and to eliminate it by 2012. A Counter-Narcotics Directorate is embedded in the Interior Ministry and a fully-fledged counter-narcotics minister is presently one of the central actors of the Afghan Government. The United Kingdom is the G-8 lead on counter-narcotics programmes in Afghanistan.
Non Military Operations/PRT's Working Projects ISAF provides direct support to reconstruction and development through the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs). Today, there are 26 PRTs across Afghanistan, led by 14 different nations with a total of 30 countries represented. The most recent one was opened in Logar in March 2008 by the Czech Republic, supported by the United States. To date, over 7,500 civil-military cooperation projects have been launched across Afghanistan, of which 75% have already been completed. In 2007, 1,080 projects have been completed and about 800 others are underway. Every effort is made to ensure that projects promoted or supported by ISAF are carried out within the context of existing development programmes, such as the highly successful National Solidarity Programme. These projects are planned in close consultation with the local government and international community partners and aim to support the priorities laid down in the Afghan National Development Strategy. Below are a few examples of PRT activities across Afghanistan
1. Reconstruction and Development (R&D): "Development without security is unachievable and security without development is meaningless". ISAF’s mission is an integral part of the International Community’s comprehensive approach to Afghanistan and its efforts to bring lasting peace and stability back to the country. While ISAF’s primary mission consists in securing Afghanistan to permit speedy reconstruction and development, practical support for reconstruction and development efforts also stands as one ISAF’s key supporting military tasks. ISAF’s activities in that field notably include: the identification of needs, such as the rehabilitation of schools and medical facilities; the restoration of water supplies; the provision of appropriate support for other civil-military projects; and the conduct of a coherent overview of the progress of development efforts. Regional Command North - RC (N) Thanks to relative security and stability in the North of Afghanistan, today, RC (N) has one of the best project completion rates of the country. • PRT Meymaneh The Norwegian-led PRT, supported by Latvia, is carrying out a huge project consisting of the construction of 82 schools. Coordinated with the World Bank, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and the Afghan Government, completion of this project is foreseen for 2008.9 • PRT Pol-e-Khomri The Hungarian-led PRT, supported by Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovakia, undertook the construction of a 35 km water supply project in the district of Dahana-I Ghori. The project does not only aim at increasing the water supply capacity for the area, it also stands as an important opportunity to use and develop local contracting. Regional Command East - RC (E) • PRT Panjshir
This wind power facility project, run by the United States led PRT in Pansjhir, is a prime example of what PRTs can do in relatively stable areas. Coordinated with the Afghan government and the Provincial Development Plan, this wind power facility will provide much of central Panjshir with a constant and reliable source of energy 24/7. It will also allow for a reduction in diesel fuel expenditure, down to 10% of current levels, and will make a serious contribution to the local power grid. Work completion is scheduled for mid- 2008. • PRT Sharana
At the request of the Provincial Governor, the Provincial directors of agriculture and irrigation, and the mayor of Sharana, the United-States-led PRT has built flood walls aimed at preventing damage to agricultural land and living space. Completed in February 2008, these flood walls will permit better management of the water resources in Paktika and act as a significant boost to local agriculture, particularly in the most remote villages. Regional Command South - RC(S) • PRT Qalat
The United States-led PRT, supported by Romania, is currently completing the construction of a trade school. Vetted and partially managed by the Director of Education, the school will ultimately be handed over to the Afghans to manage. The project is to be completed mid-2008.13
• PRT Tarin Kowt
Carried out by the Netherlands-led PRT, supported by Australia, this quick impact project now facilitates transport beyond the Chora area, which was unserviced under Taliban rule and has recently been cleared by ISAF forces. Regional Command West - RC (W) • PRT Qala-i-Naw
The Spanish-led PRT oversees the construction of 32 km of roads and three bridges across the Badghis province. This project will allow both military and civilian economic development to reach to remote areas. This improved access will be also instrumental in enhancing good governance and extending the authority of the Afghan government. • PRT Herat
The Italian-led PRT has replaced a bridge that was barely passable for foot traffic with a modern bridge that can handle significant economic traffic. The Qarya Jaya Bridge connects the main road (Herat – Iranian border) to the north of Herat Province, thereby facilitating access to the capital of the province for 42 villages.
2. Afghan Humanitarian Relief: Afghanistan was the number one recipient of U.S. humanitarian assistance before September 11, and America continues to lead the international community today. Poverty, famine, a devastating drought, and years of war and civil strife have created a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which has been aggravated by years of Taliban misrule. The people of the United States, through USAID, have responded. Since January 2008, more than 90 tons of humanitarian aid has been delivered. Efforts were coordinated by ISAF forces, the Afghan National Security Forces and UNAMA and respective NGOs. To date, supplies notably included: Regional Command West • 27 tons of coal, food and winter clothing in the Qaysar district, Ghowr province.
• 50 tons of food, blankets, raincoats, boots and generators in the Badghis Province.
Regional Command North
• 900 blankets, 450 kits of children’s winter clothes, 450 rubber boots and 450 adult-sized winter coats delivered to a refugee camp next to PRT Pol-e Khomri, Baghlan province has delivered.
• Swedish-led PRT in Mazar-i-Sharif conducted Operation Winter Coat, which allowed for the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Samangan, Balkh, Jowzjan and Sar-e-Pol provinces, thereby helping more than 600 families and refugees.
Regional Command East
• More than one ton of food (rice, beans, sugar, salt, cooking oil); more than 50 tarps, 200 sweaters, 100 boxes of tea and 25 children’s school kits were distributed to one thousand people in Sabari district in Khowst province.
• In Nangarhar province, more than 700 pounds of school supplies were delivered to more than 1500 High School students.
Regional Command Capital
• ANP security patrols have allowed ANA and ISAF forces to deliver more than 1.5 tons of humanitarian aid to the Surobi Valley. In addition, ISAF and ANSF’s assistance continues through the Medical Civilian Action Program. Veterinary assistance operations are also conducted jointly by ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces to protect livestock through the harsh winter conditions. Operations: With the upswing in Taliban violence in 2006, ISAF troops began to fulfill a combat role, particularly in southern Afghanistan. On May 17, 2006, NATO launched Operation Mountain Thrust which was designed to root out Taliban fighters. Though heavy casualties were inflicted on the Taliban, the operation did not eliminate the insurgency. ISAF forces have also led or participated in numerous subsequent operations designed to end the fighting and bring stability to the country. A recent success occurred on May 12, 2007, when ISAF forces killed the notorious Taliban leader Mullah Dadullah.
Casualties: As of November 5th, 2008, the ISAF has suffered 929 deaths: 546 American, 121 British, 96 Canadian, 30 German, 23 Spanish, 24 French, 17 Dutch, 13 Italian, 18 Danish, 8 Romanian, 3 Estonian, 3 Norwegian, 2 Swedish, 6 Australian, 3 Czech, 1 Finnish, 2 Portuguese, and 1 South Korean, 8 Polish, 16 Netherlands, 2 Hungarian. 
Structure The number of troops provided by each country are - Belgium –420
- Bulgaria – 460
- Canada – 2500
- Czech Republic –415
- Denmark – 750
- Estonia -120
- France – 2730
- Germany – 3310
- Greece – 130
- Hungary – 240
- Iceland – 8
- Italy – 2350
- Latvia – 70
- Lithuania – 200
- Luxembourg –9
- Netherland – 1770
- Norway –455
- Poland – 1600
- Portugal –70
- Romania – 725
- Slovakia – 70
- Slovenia – 70
- Spain – 780
- Turkey –800
- United Kingdom – 8330
- United States –2600
Partner Nations - Albania – 140
- Austria – 1
- Azerbaijan – 45
- Croatia - 280
- Finland –80
- Republic of Macedonia – 135
- Republic of Ireland – 7
- Sweden –375
- Ukranine– 3
- Georgia – 1
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 10
- Serbia – 5
Non – NATO / Non – EAPC - Australia – 1080
- New Zealand – 155
- Jordan- 265
- Singapore-0
- UAE-170
- Mongolia-15
- total ISAF force are 53114 Troops(Updated by November 2008 courtesy www.wikipedia.org)
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