Afghan special forces prepare to take over

They are the Afghan military elite --- and they say they're ready to battle insurgents taking over the night raids conducted by U.S. forces.

While they'll be armed with American M4 rifles and night vision gear, their approach however will be slightly different.

Commander Of Afghan Special Forces, Colonel Jalaluddin Yaftali.

(SOUNDBITE) (Dari) COMMANDER OF AFGHAN SPECIAL FORCES, COLONEL JALALUDDIN YAFTALI, SAYING:

"When we go for an operation we announce eight to 10 times 'Whoever you are come out of your house. We are Afghan security forces and will not harm you. We only want our own target.' As soon as we finish calling we bring women and children to one side and men to the other side."

And unlike U.S. special forces, they'll also have women in their ranks.

Sergeant Sara Delawar is one of 12 female soldiers joining the unit.

"Before our operations were done by foreign troops and they didn't know our culture. People were criticizing them so we joined this unit to provide services. We can provide these services and can take part in night raids."

Delawar and her sister soldiers will also handle body searches of local women.

The agreement to put Afghan forces in charge of night raids comes after much tension between Washington and Kabul and as the U.S. begins winding down its operations in the country.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.