The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has deployed its Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to western Farah province ahead of the coming Afghan parliamentary elections, spokesperson of the multinational force said Wednesday.

"Over the course of the last week ISAF deployed its western Quick Reaction Force to the area of PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) Farah. This deployment was designed to increase the visibility and awareness of ISAF presence in the area," Karen Tissot Van Patot told newsmen at a news conference.

The PRT, a civilian-military unit stabilizing security as well as reconstruction process was established in western Farah province bordering Iran almost a month ago

It is the first deployment of the QRF in west Afghanistan since ISAF took over command there some two months ago.

However, she did not disclose the size and strength of the newly deployed forces in the area.

"ISAF will strengthen the ability of the western QRF to respond to any event which may occur in the run-up to the election," she noted.

The 8,300-strong NATO-led ISAF troops in conjunction with over 18,000 US-dominated Coalition forces as well as Afghan armed forces have been chalking out plans to ensure security for the post-Taliban parliamentary polls scheduled for September 18.

Source: Xinhua