ANA well prepared to defend motherland

KABUL/MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): In the backdrop of growing security challenges in the country, the Afghan National Army (ANA) was impregnable and well-prepared to defend the motherland, commander of the 111 corps said on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Qadam Shah Shahim said this during transfer of security responsibility from the foreign troops to Afghan security forces here in Kabul.

The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) were now capable to defend their country without the help of foreigners.

The commander said that officials of 111 corps had served in Badakhshan, Helmand and Kapisa provinces, he said, adding that the brilliant force would be available any time to tackle security challenges.

Lt. Gen. Mohammad Ayub Salangi, acting interior minister, expressed satisfaction that the ANSF was an impregnable force now to protect the country.

He called upon the people to support the ANSF as the public support was key factor for morale boost of the armed forces.    

Currently, the number of ANA soldiers has reached to 200,000 and police to 150,000.

Separately, religious scholars praised scarifies of ANSF rendered for the defence of the country. A gathering in support of ANA was held in Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital of northern Balkh province.

The gathering was arranged to celebrate the birth day of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) which was attended by the religious scholars, provincial council members, tribal elders, government and security officials.

Azizullah Balaghi, head of the ulam council, said that Muslims should proud to be the follower of Prophet Mohammad. He said contemporary issues of the country could be resolved to follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammad.  

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