Hagel Hails Milestone in Afghanistan Security

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 – Praising the Afghan people for their determination and noting the sacrifices that led to achievement of the milestone, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today praised the formal transfer of security lead throughout Afghanistan to Afghan national security forces. (DoD file photo)

Hagel Hails Milestone in Afghanistan Security

Published June 19, 2013
By American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -- Praising the Afghan people for their determination and noting the sacrifices that led to achievement of the milestone, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel June 18 praised the formal transfer of security lead throughout Afghanistan to Afghan national security forces.

"This critical milestone is a tribute to the determination of the people of Afghanistan to take responsibility for their country's future, and it was made possible by heavy sacrifices on the part of the United States, coalition partners, and the Afghan forces," the secretary said in a statement.

Hagel express his appreciation for the leadership of Afghan President Hamid Karzai in helping to oversee the transition, and he commended NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, for their "tireless efforts."

"Today is a day for all Americans to take pride in the hard work our service members and their civilian counterparts are performing every day in Afghanistan," the secretary said. "This achievement keeps us and our coalition partners on track to bring our combat mission to a close next year and transition to a noncombat train, advise and assist mission that will help ensure Afghans can sustain security into the future."