Sweden plans to start Afghan withdrawal in 2012

Sweden's center-right government says it plans to start withdrawing its 530 troops from northern Afghanistan in 2012 and complete the handover of security tasks to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.

Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt announced the plans Monday after reaching an agreement with two opposition parties. The Swedish troops are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force located near the city of Mazar-e-Sharif. Reinfeldt said Sweden will focus on helping train Afghan security forces and increase humanitarian assistance. (AP)