LONDON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- British forces in Afghanistan are taking steps to reduce the number of green-on-blue attacks, a member of Parliament said.
The U.S. Defense Department said attacks on coalition forces by members of the Afghan military have left 45 soldiers dead this year.
British Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening said the incidents were a concern prompting a review of mission requirements.
She said, in a quarterly report to Parliament, that British forces were working closely with ISAF and the Afghan government to reduce green-on-blue attacks.
"Partnering is not without risk but it is essential to success," she stated. "These incidents are not representative of the overwhelming majority of Afghan security forces."
International forces are wrapping up their mission in Afghanistan as national forces take on more responsibility. Greening said the transition is on track despite security challenges in the country.
"The Afghan national security forces are increasingly moving to the fore in delivering security," she said. "Their capability and confidence continues to improve."
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander of the joint command at the International Security Assistance Force, said Afghan recruits would go through an eight-step vetting process that includes background checks and drug screening to address the issue.
