"NATO will take over everything involving organization, implementation, planning and command" of the ISAF mission, which has patrolled Kabul and its environs since its creation in December 2001 following the fall of the Taliban militia, said the diplomat.

Formally, ISAF will not become a NATO mission, the source said, addding that it would be a "successor mission".

"Neither the name nor the mandate of this force will change," he said.

ISAF currently comprises some 4,600 troops from 29 countries, including around 2,500 German military and 600 Dutch soldiers, and provides assistance to Afghan authorities in securing Kabul.

SPACE.WIRE