President Hamid Karzai sets date for Afghan takover

Afghan forces will soon take charge of securing seven areas, President Hamid Karzai said today.

Starting in July, when US troops are expected to start pulling out, local forces will take over in the provincial capitals of Lashkar Gah in the south, Herat in the west, Mazer-e-Sharif in the north and Mehterlam in the east.

"The Afghan nation doesn't want the defence of this country to be in the hands of others any more. This is our responsibility to raise our flag with honour and pride," Mr Karzai said.