NATO to end combat role and focus on training of Afghan troops in 2013: Panetta

NATO forces aim to withdraw from the front lines in Afghanistan in the middle of 2013 and focus on training Afghan troops, ahead of a complete withdrawal by 2015, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said.

Panetta said he believed troops could end their decade-long combat role in Afghanistan by the end of 2013.

His comments came after France urged NATO to end its mission by the end of 2013, one year earlier than previously agreed

The United Kingdom and the United States, whose troops comprise the overwhelming majority of the International Security Assistance Force, had earlier said that all troops would withdraw by 2015.

Panetta, however, refused to comment on whether the transition from the role of fighting to training in late 2013 would imply a faster withdrawal of US troops.

There are currently 91,000 American soldiers in Afghanistan, who scheduled to be reduced to 68,000 by September.

Panetta described 2013 as a crucial year for the international mission in Afghanistan, as key provinces that are expected to be transferred to the Afghan security forces. (ANI)