BBC
October 12, 2008
Alliance spokesman James Appathurai said troops will act with Afghan forces “against facilities and facilitators” using drugs to finance the Taleban.
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Afghan forces have taken the lead in the fight against the drugs industry until now. The US wants more aggressive tactics against the opium trade.
Nato defence ministers reached agreement at a meeting in Budapest.
Nato’s International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf) and US-led troops have until now concentrated on eradicating poppy crops, rather than attacking opium factories and distribution networks.
The BBC’s Martin Patience in Kabul says anti-drug efforts by the Afghan National Army and police have been largely ineffective so far, but the Nato move could end up aggravating the security situation.
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