Security Council approves extension of security force’s mandate in Afghanistan

The Security Council today extended for another year the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, which has been beset by an increasing number of terrorist attacks in recent months.

In a unanimously adopted resolution, Council members also called on UN Member States to contribute greater personnel, equipment and funding so that the force can be more effective.

The resolution voiced concern at Afghanistan’s security situation following a surge in violent attacks and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and armed groups linked to the country’s booming illegal drug trade.

It also stressed the importance of making simultaneous progress on the fronts of security, governance, development and counter-narcotics, given their inter-connected nature, so as to mutually reinforce each element.

After United States-led forces ousted the Taliban regime in late 2001, ISAF was established to help Afghanistan’s then interim authorities maintain security across the impoverished nation following years of civil conflict and misrule. Its new mandate runs through 13 October 2007.