MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN): Nearly 1,400 recruits of the Afghan National Army (ANA)’s 209th Shaheen Military Corps completed a basic training course in northern Balkh province on Saturday, officials said.

The soldiers were awarded certificates on completing the course at a ceremony on the premises of the corps base in Deh Dadi district.

The graduates would help resolve the problem of troop shortage in the north, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Weesa, the corps commander, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

“The first phase of security transition has been completed successfully in the north. Hopefully, the second phase will also turn out to be a success,” he added.

One of the graduates, Abdul Ghafar, said he would serve his country selflessly. He said he was ready to face any challenge for the sake of his motherland and people.

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