Afghanistan, Pakistan, NATO Open First Intelligence Hub

January 25, 2007 -- Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO today formally opened the first joint intelligence sharing center today in Kabul to boost cooperation against Taliban and other extremists.

The commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), General David Richards, said the launch of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) represents "a historic day...in the war on terror and against the insurgents."


Richards also commented on additional NATO troops expected in Afghanistan.


"More ISAF troops are being committed to this campaign (Operation Enduring Freedom)," Richards said. "You will hear very good news formally very shortly on that. I anticipate at least another brigade of combat troops from ISAF nations coming here shortly, and more after that."


The center is staffed by six intelligence and operational officers from each of the Afghan and Pakistani armies and 12 ISAF staff members.


(compiled from agency reports)