WASHINGTON, Sept 17: The United States has ruled out an extension of the international security force in Afghanistan, telling Afghans they must see to their long-term security needs themselves.

The remarks, in a new State Department strategy report, contradict recent statements by senior Bush administration officials suggesting Washington would not object to a widening of the force beyond its current turf in Kabul.

The report, on immediate security needs, mandated by recent legislation, says that despite a rash of scares and attacks in Kabul, the 5,000-strong International Security Assistance Force currently led by Turkey has done an “exceptional job.”

“However, scaling up ISAF to cover a country the size of Afghanistan would pose significant logistical and command burdens,” the report adds.

“Providing security to the rural hinterlands in Afghanistan would be almost impossible for any outside force.”

The report says institutions such as the national army Washington is helping Afghanistan to form must do the job in place of the security force and suggests regional warlords must play a role.

“It is therefore up to Afghans themselves to extend security to all of Afghanistan through an effective and responsible national army.

“It is imperative that the armed regional leaders provide short-term security as a first condition for securing their national identity.”

Senior US officials have repeatedly said that they do not oppose the expansion of the peacekeepers’ zone of operations, but have warned US forces — still chasing Taliban and al-Qaeda remnants — were not available for the job.

On Sept 5, Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said he was not opposed to an expansion of the security force, and in fact welcomed the idea.

“We do not oppose ISAF expansion,” beyond Kabul, Wolfowitz said at the Brookings Institution. “It might be a good thing.”

HE ADDED : “I think there are some benefits that could come from using ISAF in ways outside the capital.