International Security Assistance Force

Nineteen countries are providing troops to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist the new Afghan Interim Authority with the provision of security and stability in Kabul and Bagram air base.

In February 2002 South Korea sent a medical contingent of 99 soldiers.

In November, 2002 ISAF, consisting of 4,650 troops from over 20 countries, was led by Turkey. Around 1,200 German troops were serving in the force alongside 250 Dutch soldiers operating as part of a German-led battalion.

In March, 2003 ISAF was comprised of 4,700 troops from 28 countries.

On June 7, 2003 in Kabul, a taxi packed with explosives rammed a bus carrying German ISAF personnel, killing four soldiers and wounding 29 others; one Afghan bystander was killed and 10 Afghan bystanders were wounded. The 33 peacekeepers, after months on duty in Kabul, were en route to the Kabul International Airport[?] for their flight home to Germany. At the time, Germans soldiers made up more than 40% of ISAF.

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Timeline:

• Canada is scheduled to take over command in February, 2004.
• NATO is scheduled to take over command in August, 2003. (Canada) had originally been slated)
• February 10, 2003 to present: under the command of Germany and the Netherlands, led by Lieutenant General Norbert Van Hetst[?].
• June 2002 to February 10, 2003: under the command of Turkey, led by Major General Hilmi Akin Zorlu[?].
• December 2001 to June 2002: under the command of Great Britain, led by Major General John McColl[?].