Afghan security forces took on more security duties in the country and violence in heavily populated areas declined notably during the six months ending September 30, a report released Monday on progress in Afghanistan shows, dpa reported.
The status report said security improved in urban areas generally and in most parts of Afghanistan's five most populous districts, the report said.
"The Taliban's ability to attack the people of Afghanistan has been diminished, particularly in Kandahar, the operational and ideological base of the Taliban," according to the report, which was delivered Monday to Congress.
The report said enemy-initiated attacks dropped 22 per cent in Kabul, 62 per cent in Kandahar, 13 per cent in Herat and 88 per cent in Mezar-e-Sharif, compared to a year ago. Incidents increased 2 per cent in Kunduz.
"In many of the most contested areas of the country, insurgent attacks are becoming more isolated and are occurring further away from populated centres," the report said. "Eight per cent of attacks occur in districts encompassing only 20 per cent of the population."
The six-month report on progress toward security in Afghanistan covers the period from April 1-September 30. The 165-page Pentagon report includes a description of the comprehensive strategy of the US for security and stability in Afghanistan.
A Defence Department spokesman who briefed reporters about the report said Afghan security forces continue to take the lead and are conducting the vast majority of operations.
"They are not only increasing in size, they have met their recruiting and training goals," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.