UN Security Council Backs Afghan Force Through 2014

The United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the NATO-led force in Afghanistan through the end of 2014.

It is expected to be the last authorization by the Security Council of the International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF.

The United States and its allies are planning to withdraw their combat forces and hand over all security duties to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.

The Security Council resolution adopted October 10 said the situation in Afghanistan "still constitutes a threat to international peace and security."

The measure also urged "further efforts by the Afghan government to fight corruption, promote transparency, and increase its accountability."

There are currently around 87,000 NATO-led troops in Afghanistan, about 60,000 of them from the United States.
 
Based on reports from AFP, dpa and AP