U.S. turns commando base over to Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 30 (UPI) -- Afghanistan declined to confirm media reports a U.S. special forces base in Warkdak province has been turned over to the Afghan military.

President Hamid Karzai had specifically called on the United States to turn the camp over to his national army after allegations that Afghan forces in the area committed human rights abuses, Afghanistan's Khaama Press reported Saturday.

The base is located in an important strategic area that could be used as a staging area for insurgent attacks on the capital Kabul.

Despite the changeover, U.S. forces will remain operational in Warkdak, U.S. commanders said.