International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

Based on the political guidance from the Council, strategic command and control is exercised by NATO's top operational headquarters, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.

Underneath SHAPE, another headquarters, Joint Force Command Brunssum, the Netherlands, is responsible, at the operational level, for staffing, deploying and sustaining the mission.

ISAF itself is structured into four main components:

• ISAF Headquarters: commands the Kabul Multinational Brigade and conducts operational tasks in its area of responsibility. It liaises with and assists in the work of UN, the Afghan Transitional Authority, and governmental and non-governmental organisations;
• The Kabul Multinational Brigade: ISAF's tactical headquarters, responsible for the planning and conduct of patrolling and civil-military cooperation operations on a day-to-day basis;
• Kabul Afghan International Airport: ISAF assists the Afghan Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the overall operation of the airport;
• Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs): teams of military personnel working in Afghanistan’s provinces to extend the authority of the Afghan central government and to facilitate development and reconstruction.

Part of wider effort

NATO is supporting and working hand-in-hand with the Afghan authorities, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

NATO’s mission is different and distinct from the ongoing US-led Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. ISAF focuses on stabilisation and security while the US-led coalition forces are engaged in counter-terrorism.