Afghan forces have formally assumed responsibility for the security of the northern province of Baghlan from US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
On Saturday, the security responsibilities of the province, situated 160 kilometers (99 miles) north of capital Kabul, was officially handed over to Afghan security forces.
Major General Jorg Vollmer, commander of ISAF Regional Command North, together with a number of Afghan officials attended the handover ceremony.
Vollmer vowed that Germany would remain committed to support Afghanistan beyond 2014, when majority of foreign troops withdraw from the Asian country.
Last September, Afghan forces took over security charge of five districts in Baghlan Province. The districts were Baghlan- e-Markazi, Burka, Dahana-e-Ghori, Dushi and Khinjan.
The security transition from US-led foreign troops to Afghan security forces started around two years ago, and over 90 percent of the security responsibilities across the country have been handed over to Afghan forces in four phases.
The fifth and final phase of security transition is due to begin within the next few days.
This comes as the United States plans to maintain its military bases in Afghanistan beyond the 2014 withdrawal deadline.
Washington invaded Afghanistan in 2001 under the pretext of combating terrorism.
The US-led war in Afghanistan, which has caused record-high civilian and military casualties, has become the longest military conflict in the American history.
MP/SS
This article originally appeared on: Press TV