Turkey To Take Over Command Of I.S.A.F. On February 11th

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will take over the seventh term command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF-VII) in Afghanistan on February 11th, 2005, sources told the A.A on Tuesday.
     Meanwhile, Turkish 28th Mechanized Infantry Brigade will take over command of the Kabul Multi-national Brigade under the ISAF-VII on January 27th, 2005.
     Members of the brigade, which will carry out command of the Kabul Multi-national Brigade for six months, have completed their preparations.
     The brigade will leave for Afghan capital Kabul between January 23rd and 26th.
     Turkey will take over command of the Kabul Multi-national Brigade on January 27th, and responsibility of Kabul Airport on February 1st, 2005.
     A total of 3,800 personnel from 26 countries will be charged at the Kabul Multi-national Brigade. Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) will have 900 military staff in the brigade.
     Meanwhile, Istanbul-based 3rd Army Corps will take over the seventh term command of ISAF on February 11th, 2005.
     Earlier, Turkey took over the second term command of ISAF from Britain on June 20, 2002. TSK sent nearly 1,500 soldiers to Afghanistan. Turkish soldiers served in Kabul till February 10, 2003.
     (UK)
2005-01-04