The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is a multinational force authorised by the United Nations (UN) and led by NATO. It was established by UN Security Council Resolution 1386 (2001) to assist in the maintenance of security in Kabul and the surrounding areas.

It has since been extended on an annual basis, most recently by UNSCR 1806 (2008). UNSCR 1510 (2003) and 1563 (2004) authorised ISAF to operate beyond Kabul in the form of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) so that the Force can help extend the authority of the Afghan Government across the entire country.

After successfully leading ISAF for six months, the UK handed over this role to Turkey on 20 June 2002. Germany and the Netherlands assumed joint leadership after Turkey in February 2003. NATO subsequently took over responsibility on 11 August 2003. This was a welcome indication of continued commitment to ISAF and helped to ensure its sustainability. The UK has consistently supported ISAF and on 4 May 2006 the UK-led Headquarters Group of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps assumed overall command of the Force for 9 months.

Originally created to provide for the security of Kabul, ISAF has been extending its operations across Afghanistan at the request of the Afghan Government and the UN. It took over responsibility for the north of the country from the US-led coalition in summer 2004 and the west in spring 2005. Stage 3 of ISAF expansion has seen the Force head in to the south. Many countries are involved in this operation. The UK, Canada, the Netherlands, the US, Denmark, Estonia, and Romania are all contributing significant military task forces to the southern region.

As part of the expansion the UK took over the PRT in Helmand in this broad-based regional effort, designed to bring sufficient security for Afghan Government agencies and development partners to work.  The UK PRT in Helmand’s provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, is supported by the UK’s Task Force Helmand.