Afghan President says country's forces will begin to take over security in parts of country

Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced today that seven areas of Afghanistan, including parts of Kabul, will be handed over to Afghan forces this July, according to CNN. The Afghan forces will be in charge of handling security of these areas.

The announcement is the first step in NATO's plan to hand over security to a series of provinces. The long-anticipated move is expected to be completed in 2014 as Afghan security forces are planned to be in control of the whole country at that time.

NATO applauded the announcement and expressed their committment to help in the transition of security in the country. They also felt the move is a testament to the progess being made inside the country.

Southern regions such as Kandahar and Hemland have been long-time fronts in the war against the Taliban. With the move to give part of the Hemland province over to Afghan forces, NATO believes a major stepping stone has been made.

Karzai talked about the transition in a speech last month and credited the influx of international forces in 2010 for making the move to Afghan forces possible. He felt these international forces not only improved conditions in the country, but that they also helped Afghan security forces to prepare them to take over control of the nation.

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