The United Nations Security Council on Thursday strengthened the role of the UN's mission in Afghanistan amid an increase in violent attacks in the Islamic country, according to dpa. The 15-nation council extended the mission's mandate for another year and gave it a number of new tasks. The 1,000-strong UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) should improve coordination with Afghan security forces and the international NATO-led forces working to quell violence in the country. Taliban-led insurgents are expected to increase their attacks in the coming spring and summer months.
