Under US President Barack Obama's new strategy more than 20,000 additional US troops were sent to Afghanistan to reverse gains made by the Taliban and to help create a functioning government.

The new soldiers also helped provide security for country's nationwide elections Aug 20, the results of which have yet to be announced.

Incomplete figures provided by election commission Monday showed that President Hamid Karzai had polled 45.9 percent, leaving him more than 12 percent of his nearest rival, former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah.

Initial results are expected next week. Should the winner fail to gain an absolute majority, a runoff between the top two candidates will take place in October.