Security forces capable of protecting existing system: Miakhel

MAZAR-E-SHAREF (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday said the people of Afghanistan should not doubt the capability of Afghan forces to protect the existing system.

Shah Mahmood Miakhel, assistant defence minister, said Afghan forces were fully ready for peace and conflict, he was addressing a gathering marking the introduction of new 209^th Shaheen Military Corps Commander.

He said change in the command was linked with the improvement in the security situation. Brg. Gen. Mustafa Wardak has been introduced as the new Corps Commander of Shaheen Military Corps.

“Our people don’t want war, but our security forces were ready for war and peace. I want to assure all Afghans that security forces were capable of protecting the existing system,” he said.

He stressed over greater coordination between civilian and military institutions.

Former Shaheen Military Corps Commander Brig. Gen. Haibatullah Alizai said that last year the northern part of the country witnessed heavy conflict.

He added from the past 10 months Afghan Air Force conducted the airstrike and the situation had improved.

New Corps Commander Brig. Gen. Mustafa Wardak said a greater opportunity for peace was available and added the Taliban should fully utilise this opportunity.

He pledged with the support of people the government controlled area would be expanded in the north.

nh