NATO passes over Kabul security to Afghan troops
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NATO has handed over responsibility for security in the nation's capital, Kabul, to Afghan troops.
In practical terms there will be little difference to the number of Afghan and international troops on the streets of Kabul, but it is a symbolic move to show the confidence in Afghanistan's security forces.
The police and intelligence personnel at the National Directorate of Security are already credited for reducing the number of suicide attacks in the capital and for preventing insurgents from getting a foothold in Kabul.
There are more than 60,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan and an intensive program has been put in place to train and mentor an Afghan army of 80,000 by 2009.
Meanwhile, Japan says it will extend a controversial mission backing the US-led war on terror in Afghanistan.
The announcement came a day after Taliban militants killed a Japanese aid worker in the country.
The Japanese government says it will submit legislation to keep ships in the Indian Ocean to provide fuel to the US-led coalition.
The mission is set to expire in January.
