16 Oct 2003

Munitions destroyed in Afghanistan News 11/10/2003 - NATO ISAF to assist MOD in destruction of ANA ammo Background NATO in Afghanistan Key links ISAF website The NATO-led peacekeeping force in Afghanistan is assisting the Afghan Minister of Defence in coordinating the destruction of a large quantity of Afghan National Army ammunition on 16 October. The assistance is part of ISAF's continuing role in helping to provide a stable and secure environment in Kabul and its surrounding area. This is the first time that ISAF has assisted in destroying ammunition. The ammunition was originally stored in the Pol-e-Charki Ammunition Storage Site, as part of Afghan National Army’s ammunition stockpile. Possible expansion of ISAF NATO took over the leadership of ISAF on 11 August, in what is the Alliance’s first mission outside the Euro-Atlantic area. The current mandate limits the 5,500-strong force to operations in Kabul and the surrounding areas. On 14 October, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution authorising the expansion of ISAF's operations. Now that NATO exercises the leadership of ISAF, a decision by the North Atlantic Council, the Alliance’s highest decision-making body, will be needed for any expansion. NATO is currently examining military options for expanding the force.