An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Jan. 3, 2011

Napolitano visits Afghanistan, focuses on border security

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON -  Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano paid a New Year's visit to Afghanistan, where she focused heavily on efforts to shore up security along the Afghan-Pakistan border to disrupt the flow of terrorists and the materials to support their operations.

Meeting yesterday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Napolitano underscored U.S. commitment to defeating al Qaida as progress takes hold. 

"The Obama administration remains fully committed to combating threats of terrorism in Afghanistan," she said.

Napolitano spent New Year's Eve with U.S. troops and civilian personnel, emphasizing that U.S. homeland security begins with their fight against global terrorism threats around the world.

"It is an honor to meet with our dedicated military and civilian men and women who are helping to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan, and I thank them for their continued efforts and sacrifices here to make the American homeland safer and more secure," she said.

Napolitano recognized security progress in Afghanistan and the role non-military organizations must play to ensure it sticks.

"In many areas progress has been made, but it's fragile, and I think the issue is stability and to help build capacity in Afghanistan on the civilian side, as opposed to the military side," she said.

During her meetings in Kabul and as she toured security operations at Afghanistan's Torkham Border Crossing, Napolitano discussed Department of Homeland Security efforts to help the Afghan government boost customs and border control.

"Building and maintaining a strong border crossing system is critical to the stability and security of Afghanistan," she said. "Over the past year, the Department of Homeland Security has worked closely with the Afghan government to help establish a border security and customs system to counter terrorism while facilitating legitimate travel and trade."

In addition to helping the Afghans combat the trans-border crossing of terrorists, the department's agents on the ground also are working to stem the flow of chemicals they use to manufacture improvised explosive devices, department press officials said. Homeland Security agents also are helping Afghan border police and customs officials establish an Afghan customs academy.

"In coordination with U.S. and Afghan military forces, the dedicated civilian Department of Homeland Security personnel assisting the Afghan government with customs and border control have made significant progress in disrupting al-Qaida operations in the border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Napolitano said.

Napolitano was slated to travel yesterday to Qatar to meet with her counterparts there to discuss efforts to secure global aviation and supply chain systems against threats of terrorism and transnational crime, officials said.

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...