Fifty percent of the total violence in Afghanistan occurs only in 17 districts in southern and eastern districts and some parts of Kabul, Isaf Deputy Operational Commander Adam Findlay said Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, he acknowledged that violence has been intense in several parts of the country but added that the insurgents have lost the ability to face Afghan security forces. He reiterated continued Isaf support to ANSF.
"We are supporting the ANSF, but it is worth noting that with the violence in Afghanistan, 50 percent of that violence is restricted to about 17 districts, and Nooristan is one of those. We acknowledge that's a tough fight and we are supporting the ANSF," Findlay told reporters.
He also added that Isaf is contributing only high-level war fighting capabilities in support of Afghan forces, and that the ANSF is operating independently in most parts of the country.
"Now, what we are finding is that we don't have to have Isaf peers with the Tolais and Kandaks necessarily, but where we are helping now is the more sophisticated war fighting functions that ANSF is going to take," he added.
This comes as all foreign combat forces will pull out of the Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and Isaf's advisory and mentoring role will continue after 2014 as Afghan security forces take all security responsibilities.
The lack of a functional air force, heavy weaponry, intelligence and engineering capabilities are the main challenges the Afghan National Army is facing. Some believe that if left unaddressed, these challenges could undermine the ability of the ANSF to protect the country after 2014.