International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

“ISAF's part in this process is to provide the security within which development can take place”

Speech by Lt. Gen. Richards, ISAF Commander, on 31 July 2006

On 5 October 2006, in another landmark step for NATO, NATO-ISAF took command of the international military forces in eastern Afghanistan from the US-led Coalition.  Now, some 50,700 troops (including National Support Elements) are providing support to the Afghan authorities throughout the country, with the aim of boosting efforts to provide reconstruction and development.

The Alliance’s mission now covers the whole of Afghanistan.  NATO is leading some 50,700 troops (including National Support Elements) from 41 countries and 26 Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs).  This is NATO’s first and largest ground operation outside Europe.

What does this mean in practice?

ISAF’s key military tasks include assisting the Afghan government in extending its authority across the country, conducting stability and security operations in co-ordination with the Afghan national security forces; mentoring and supporting the Afghan national army; and supporting Afghan government programmes to disarm illegally armed groups.

Who is in charge?

The political direction and co-ordination for the mission is provided by NATO's principal decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council. 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.

How did this operation evolve?

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.