An international peacekeeping force which will eventually total 5,000 troops from 18 countries is now operational in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
Britain’s Defence Secretary Mr Geoff Hoon also confirmed that Britain would relinquish lead nation status of the stabilisation force after three months and hinted that Turkey may take charge.
The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) will be at full strength by mid-February.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Turkey are all contributing troops alongside Britain.
The ISAF will operate in Kabul and Kabul alone. In total, the force will be around 5,000 strong.
Britain will provide the lion's share of soldiers - about 1,800 personnel plus almost another 300 to repair and operate Bagram airport, which serves the capital.
