Nato cuts joint Afghan operations as 'insider attacks' persist

Nato-led forces are scaling back joint operations with Afghan forces after a spate of "insider attacks" in which Afghan recruits turned their weapons on Western allies, officers said yesterday.

The move marked a setback for the coalition's war strategy, as the planned withdrawal of Western troops hinges on training and advising Afghan forces to take over security by the end of 2014.

Under the order, most joint patrols and advisory work with Afghan troops would only be conducted at the battalion level and above. Co-operation with smaller units would be "evaluated on a case-by-case basis and approved by [regional] commanders", said the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

As the so-called green-on-blue attacks have grown, US commanders have gradually acknowledged the assaults pose a serious threat to the war effort and have struggled to stem the problem.

The commander of US and Nato troops in Afghanistan, General John Allen, "has directed all operational commanders to review force protection and tactical activities in the light of the current circumstances", a US military officer in Washington said.

"This guidance was given at the recommendation of, and in conjunction with, key Afghan leaders," said the officer. "This will likely lead to adjustments in exactly how, when and where ISAF troops operate, especially during the current period of heightened tension."