Situation is changing in favor of govt, people: Mohammadi

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The acting defense minister during a visit to southeastern Paktia province has said government forces are in aggressive posture and the security situation is changing in favor of the government and the people.

General Bismillah Mohammadi visited the headquarters of 203rd Thunder Military Corps in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province. Currently, Paktia, Paktika, Ghazni, Logar, Khost and Maidan Wardak are the provinces under the corps.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Malik Zazi, head of Paktia's provincial council, called for the return of special forces and commando battalions to the province and that the Thunder Corps should have their own air force.

He added: “Loya Paktia has always played a major role in the armed forces and made sacrifices. We are still ready to defend our country, but we want our rights and opportunities for our province and region.”

Paktia Governor Gul Nabi Ahmadzai talked about recapturing nine fallen districts in the province and said that military operations should be launched against insurgents in some parts of the province.

He said the insurgents backed by their foreign friends used to cross the Durand Line into Afghanistan on some routes which needed to be closed.

The acting defense minister said security forces were in a state of emergency, the security situation was changing in favor of the government and the people, and the problems in Paktia would be resolved.

“I assure you, we will do our best to solve the problem. This is our homeland and protecting it is the responsibility of every individual. The Taliban have no national or religious legitimacy.”

He said Afghanistan used its forces for peace and stability and the government was working to implement serious measures in this regard.

“God is with us,” he said. With full cooperation of foreigners and the world, there is no problem in supply of resources. Some helicopters have arrived for the Air Force and others are coming. We are fighting terrorism for the sake of peace in the world. ”

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