ANKARA - Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) is getting prepared to assume a 2nd term regional command mission in Kabul, on April 7th.
The Kabul Regional Command was established under the leadership of Turkey, France and Italy on August 2006, and also assumes the command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist Afghan government in security and restructuring.
A take-over ceremony will take place on April 6th in Kabul.
Turkish General Kasim Erdem will undertake the regional command for 8 months. The TSK will hand over the mission to Italy on December 6th, 2007.
Number of Turkish troops will reach 1150 (actually 750) after Turkey assumes the command. The new Turkish troops comprise 400 personnel including 65 officers and non- commissioned officers and will be assigned to provide services in logistics and communications areas.
The Command will help to enhance the authority of Afghan government, restore stability and security in Kabul, assist Afghanistan to become self-sufficient, and maintain regional stability.
The Command is not assigned to deal with terrorism.
-CONTRIBUTIONS TO ISAF-
TSK, which assisted International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan with 276 troops, took over the command of ISAF on June 20th, 2002.
TSK was assigned in Kabul and surrounding areas till February 10th, 2003. A that time it comprised 1300 troops.
The TSK worked with civilian people in hundreds of projects on areas such as education, health, water purification, infrastructure and agriculture.
On February 13th-August 4th, 2005 the TSK assumed the leadership of ISAF for the second time.
-PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAM IN VARDAK-
Turkey's Provincial Reconstruction team (comprising civilian and military staff) has been in Vardak, (40 km away from Kabul) since Nov. 2006, to assist administrative and judicial system, train Afghan policemen, improve infrastructure, housing and social areas.
-TASK FORCE LEADERSHIP IN KOSOVO-
On the other hand, Turkey is getting prepared to assume command of the Multinational Task Force South, deployed in the southern region of Kosovo, in May, for 12 months.
Turkey assisted NATO's air operations on March 24th, 1999 with 10 F-16 warplanes after situation in Kosovo worsened.
Turkey has also sent a mechanized infantry unit to help the 42,000-strong force, established to implement peace agreement signed between NATO and Yugoslavia to resolve Kosovo crisis.
TSK is also envisioned to boost its troop contribution to the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international force responsible for establishing and maintaining security in Kosovo. The Turkish Armed Forces has already been contributing naval and air elements to the KFOR's efforts in Bosnia.
-BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA, SUDAN AND LEBANON-
Since 1950, Turkey has been assisting international efforts and operations aiming to restore peace and security in problematic regions.
Besides Kosovo and Afghanistan, Turkey has been actively contributing operations to ensure peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sudan/Darfur and Lebanon.