New Zealand hands over to Afghan cops

Photo / Patrick Gower

Afghanistan began the transition to control of its own security amid secrecy yesterday, a reminder of how volatile the country is even as Nato troops begin to withdraw.

Ministers flew to central Bamiyan province for a ceremony that was not announced in advance.

Security sources said there were serious fears of Taleban attacks.

A spokesman for the Bamiyan provincial governor said a ceremony to mark the Afghan police taking the lead from New Zealand troops began around 9am (4.30pm NZT).