NATO modifies anti-narcotics order after leak

NATO's top military commander has modified his order on the rules of engagement by his troops in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan after the original version was leaked to the media.

NATO's top military commander has modified his order on the rules of engagement by his troops in the fight against narcotics in Afghanistan after the original version was leaked to the media.

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NATO spokesman James Appathurai said on Wednesday that NATO commanders have agreed that drug traffickers and drug producing facilities will only be hit where they provide "material support" for the Taliban-led insurgency in Afghanistan.

In the leaked letter, NATO's General John Craddock had wanted all drug traffickers to be targeted.

German magazine Del Spiegel reported last week that Craddock's letter had sparked an internal dispute over the circumstances in which the troops can use deadly force against drug traffickers.

NATO has launched an investigation into the leak.