CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) — The commanding Marine general in one of Afghanistan’s hardest-fought regions says he is seeing big improvements in the vetting of Afghan recruits to the country’s security forces following attacks by Afghan soldiers on their NATO partners.
Maj. Gen. Charles Gurganus said Friday in a teleconference from Afghanistan that he believes Afghan forces will be ahead of schedule and take the lead in securing Helmand Province by this fall.
Gurganus says Helmand leaders are enforcing an age limit of 18 for police recruits, no guests are permitted into posts, and commanders are being held responsible for their officers’ actions.
Gurganus says soldiers on extended leave or travel to Pakistan are being rescreened.
Afghan counterparts have carried out more than 20 deadly attacks on their NATO partners this year.
