KABUL, May 14, (Pajhwok Afghan News) – International peace keeping forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan says they will increase the number of F-16 fighter jets in the country, to better assist the security in the country.

Addressing a press conference in the capital Kabul, the Commander of F-16's Lieutenant Colonel Bertil Van Geel said there were currently 4 F-16's in Afghanistan, and he said the Belgian Air Force had promised to assist ISAF with addition security support for the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

The Provincial Council and Lower House parliamentary election, which will run concurrently is scheduled for September 18. The US-led coalition forces and ISAF would assist the Afghan National Army and the national police forces in ensuring security for the land mark parliamentary elections.

There are 8,000 international peace keeping forces assisting Afghanistan, and more than 18,000 US-led coalition forces operating in the country. Following recent violent demonstrations throughout Afghanistan, Colonel Van Geel said the F-16’s were currently carrying out surveillance operations in Badakshan’s capital city, Faizabad, and northern cities of Mazar, Kunduz, and Pul-e-Khumri, and eastern Herat.