KABUL (A.A) - 04.06.2002 - The second group of the Turkish military unit which will take over the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) arrived in Kabul on Tuesday.
Two hundred soldiers commanded by Brigadier General Mehmet Emin Alpman came to Kabul by a THY Airbus plane.
The Turkish soldiers were met by Afghanistan Turkish Task Force Commander Colonel Tuncer Erinmezler and British Staff Officer Colonel Richard Barrons.
Later, the soldiers went to the places prepared for them.
Alpman, who spoke at the airport, said that all Turkish soldiers will be in Afghanistan by the end of June. He indicated that the Turkish Armed Forces were participating in efforts to support peace in regions of conflicts in many countries. A total of 1,400 Turkish soldiers will contribute to the ISAF in Afghanistan. They will also be in charge of the Kabul Airport and the airport will remain under Turkey's responsibility for six months.
Currently, there are 483 Turkish soldiers in Kabul and this number will increase to 1,400 soon.
The ISAF is consisted of 4,890 soldiers from 18 countries and currently Britain has the command of the ISAF. The Turkish troop commanded by Brigadier General Hilmi Akin Zorlu will take over the command of the force.