LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, April 4 (UPI) -- Security over the most heavily populated region of Helmand province in Afghanistan was handed over to national forces, NATO announced.
Afghan security forces in Lashkar Gah, the largest city in Helmand province, started the process of assuming responsibility for security operations in July. NATO soldiers during a ceremony attended by tribal elders handed over the last area to Afghan forces.
NATO said violence is down substantially since the beginning of 2011.
Last month, the British Minister of Defense confirmed that six soldiers died in an explosion in Kandahar. They were initially declared missing but presumed dead.
The Taliban, in a statement of responsibility, said the "invaders" were "incinerated" by the blast and that's why authorities initially described the soldiers as missing.
Meanwhile, NATO, U.S. and Afghan officials had negotiations over the future of night raids in the country. George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said night raids are a point of contention for Afghan authorities.
"We recognize that," he said during a news conference with Pentagon reporters. "We recognize the effectiveness, as well, that night operations have had over time."
NATO-led forces maintain 85 percent of the night raids occur without a shot being fired.
