The transfer of other troops from areas like Sangin will also increase their ability to tackle the insurgency later this year.

BBC: UK troops launch Operation Tor Shezada in Afghanistan

Jack Keane, then the Army's deputy chief of staff, told the historians of his reaction to a June 2003 decision to transfer control of all coalition troops away from the land forces command that had been preparing for the mission.

CNN: Army criticizes itself in Iraq invasion report

The US Marines will transfer control of Najaf to Polish troops this month.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: chirac_annan

Many Nato forces have already begun withdrawing troops from Afghanistan ahead of the complete transfer of power to Afghan security forces.

BBC: US army hands over Bagram prison to Afghanistan

Speaking during the Commons' quarterly update on the situation in the country, William Hague said there would be a gradual transfer of responsibility to the Afghan National Army, with local troops expected to take "lead responsibility" during 2013.

BBC: Hague: UK committed to Afghan troop withdrawal by 2014