Special Afghan air brigade established

KABUL): The 777th joint brigade, involving Afghan army, police and intelligence personnel was launched in the central capital Kabul on Wednesday, officials said.

Interior Minister Gen. Bismillah Mohammadi, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi and senior military officials from the joint air-brigade attended a ceremony held in this regard.

Mohammadi said the creation of the air brigade was an important step toward strengthening the country’s air force. Afghan security forces’ capacity had grown in strength and skills in various fields, he added.

Congratulating Afghans, Mohammadi said improving the air force capacity to be able to conduct independent operations was one of their conditions for security transition.

“The air brigade would play a positive role in counter-terrorism operations and elimination of Taliban leaders,” the interior minister hoped, saying it would be a thorn in the side of enemies of peace.  

Speaking on the occasion, Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi described the air brigade an important step toward greater collaboration among Afghan security forces in combat operations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the special brigade was equipped with modern tools, including night vision goggles, and had the capacity of conducting complex anti-terror operations.

A statement from MoD said the bridge’s key responsibilities included providing air support to Afghan special forces, ANA commando unit, intelligence operatives, counterterrorism police, overhaul of security forces in impassable regions, air patrols, border security and supplies for forces.

mm/ma