LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The issue of ghost soldiers in Afghan National Army (ANA) ranks in southern Helmand province has been resolved, military officials claimed on Tuesday.
The 215th Maiwand Military Corps commander, Brig. Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, made the remarks at a graduation ceremony for 560 officers, lieutenants and sergeants.
He said the newly graduated cadets had undergone training in artillery, telecommunications, automobile engineering and other fields. Ahmadzai added there formation was complete and the issue of ghost soldiers had been resolved.
“We want to professionally train our soldiers in rotation in order to strengthen the security environment,” the commander told participants of the event.
Meanwhile, the training centre commander, Col. Shah Wali Zazai, said the graduates had been trained for two months by local and foreign experts. The soldiers, besides learning war tactics, were also trained on night raids and commando operations.
At the end of the ceremony, Governor Hayatullah Hayat said the graduates would be deployed to various areas of the province. He asked the soldiers to use the skills in strengthening security.
The soldiers graduate as six districts of the province are under the complete control of Taliban and parts of Lashkargah, the provincial capital, and other districts are also controlled by the insurgents.
sns/mud
