NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Tuesday expressed grave concerns over a series of insider attacks in Afghanistan, but assured that the ongoing transition process will not be disrupted.
“The insider attacks are a matter of strong concern, but will not derail our transition process. Our goal, our strategy and our timetable remain the same.” Rasmussen told reporters here at NATO headquarters.
Around 45 NATO troops have been killed by Afghan soldiers or policemen in so-called “green on blue” attacks this year, at least 15 of them in August alone. US forces in Afghanistan have suspended military training for Afghan recruits until applicants are vetted.
The NATO chief said that NATO commanders in Afghanistan “stand ready to introduce new measures, including strengthened vetting and screening procedures, improved counter-intelligence measures as well as culture awareness training” to prevent insider attacks, which are threatening to undermine the trust between foreign troops and Afghan security forces.
“We have introduced and will continue to introduce a broad range of measures. We will do everything it takes to prevent such attacks,” Rasmussen said.
