NATO foresees more fighting in Afghanistan

"Militants and terrorists will seek to kill International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)'s soldiers and innocent Afghans," Rasmussen told an informal meeting of NATO defense ministers with non-NATO ISAF contributing nations in Istanbul.

At a press conference shortly after the meeting, the NATO chief said the coming days will see a demonstration of the NATO- supported Afghan army's capabilities in a series of operations in Central Helmand.

However, he did not give details about of the military operations because of the security reasons. Yet, he vowed that " terrorism will find no safe haven" in Afghanistan.

He also said that 36 ISAF contributing nations have now made offers to send more troops to Afghanistan.

"Tens of thousands of additional forces are now deploying to Afghanistan," he added.

According to NATO, 43 countries have contributed a total of 85, 795 troops for the ISAF in Afghanistan.

ISAF has been deployed since 2001 under the authority of the UN Security Council which authorized the establishment of the force to assist the Afghan government in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas.

NATO took command of ISAF in August 2003 upon request of the United Nations and the Afghan government, Kazinform refers to Xinhuanet.

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