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KABUL — Despite a major setback to the country’s air force and escalating casualties among its troops, the Afghan military will begin taking control of security in more than 50 additional districts across the country, officials announced Monday.

The next phase of the planned transition to full Afghan control of the country by the end of 2014, called “Tranche Four,” is to start within two months, and will include 52 districts in 12 provinces, though in nearly 20 percent of the districts mentioned, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force has already withdrawn all troops.

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ISAF Joint Command morning operational update, Dec 31 -- ISAF
Lewis-McChord GI killed in Panjwal IED attack -- Army Times
Georgian soldier missing two weeks found dead in southern Afghanistan -- UPI
Body of Georgia Soldier Found in Afghanistan -- Voice of America
Top Taliban leader arrested in Ghazni province -- Khaama Press

Afghanistan predicts issues in 4th phase of security transition -- Khaama Press
Next phase of Afghan security takeover starts in 2 months, to cover 87 percent of population -- Washington Post/AP
Afghans to take over greater security role -- L.A. Times
NATO Welcomes Fourth Tranche Of Afghan Transition -- RTT News

Violence in Afghanistan falls in 2012, but more Afghan troops dying and insider attacks rise -- Washington Post/AP
Pakistan 'frees Afghan Taliban ex-minister Mullah Turabi' -- BBC
Local government reform 'success' in Helmand -- BBC

US Family Pleas for Couple Missing in Afghanistan -- ABC News/AP
Caitlan Coleman, pregnant American woman, missing almost 3 months in Afghanistan with Canadian husband -- CBS
Pregnant US woman Caitlan Coleman missing in Afghanistan with husband -- BBC

After fighting in Afghanistan, soldier returns home, reintroduces himself to baby daughter -- Washington Post/AP
Out With The Troops, In With The Afghan Investment? -- Farangis Najibullah and Zarif Nazar, Radio Free Europe
Troops' role changing as 2012 ends in Afghanistan -- Jonathan Beale, BBC