‘217 Corps of Afghan military to be inaugurated in coming weeks’

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: The acting minister of defense Asadullah Khalid has said that the 217th Corps of the army will be established in coming weeks.

Speaking during a security conference in RS compound in northern Balkh province, Khalid said considering the vast swathes of territory in the north and large population living in northern provinces, the leadership of the government and defense institutions have reached to a conclusion that the existing forces are not enough to provide proper security to people.

Khalid further added that the 217th Corps of the Afghan military will be inaugurated as per President Ashraf Ghani’s order in coming weeks. He also added that the leadership of the ministry of defense considers segregation of duties and changes should be incorporated in leadership and opinion to lead the war in the North.

In other parts of his speech, Khalid reiterated that the enemies have plans and programs for war and preparing to further intensify conflict to gain more privileges in peace talks.

Emphasizing that the current year will be a difficult year in terms of security, Khalid said the armed forces should not only suffice in preventing militants to control more areas but the hideouts of the enemies should be eliminated in offensive operations. (Khaama Press)