KABUL - The new British ambassador to Afghanistan on Monday praised local security forces' response to yesterday's coordinated Taliban attacks in Kabul and other parts of the country.
Afghan security personnel took the lead, contained and removed the threat in a highly professional and successful operation, said Ambassador Sir Richard Stagg, who arrived in the capital on Sunday.

"I can confirm that all our staff are safe and unharmed, for which I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the ANSF and the government of Afghanistan," he said in a statement.

Condoling with the families of those killed in the service of their country, he said the assaults showed two things -- the perpetrators wanted nothing more than undermining the progress of Afghanistan and that the ANSF had the ability to defeat them.

Afghan security personnel could take the lead in defending their country, protecting the people and ensuring that Afghanistan would continue on the path to greater stability and prosperity, the diplomat remarked.

"The United Kingdom remains committed to her Enduring Partnership with the government of Afghanistan. We are proud to work with the Afghan government and the ANSF toward a stable, secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan..." (Pajhwok)