Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, Dhu-AlHijjah 27, 1433, Nov 12, 2012, SPA - German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere arrived today in northern Afghanistan. The Minister's plane landed early Monday at the German military headquarters in Mazar-e Sharif following a direct flight from Germany, according to a report of DPA. He said he wanted to get a picture of how the Afghan forces are taking on more responsibility for security. NATO combat troops are set to withdraw by the end of 2014, handing over security responsibilities to Afghan forces. There are currently 4,760 German soldiers serving in Afghanistan. --SPA 12:54 LOCAL TIME 09:54 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1047853