Soldiers recruited to Afghan army amid increased violence
Afghan army Special Forces take part in a military exercise in Rishkhur district outside Kabul, Afghanistan March 12, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
A total of 959 newly graduated soldiers on Sunday joined the Afghan National Army (ANA), boosting the force amid an increase in the Taliban-led unrest, an army source said.
"It is a great day for Afghan National Army to have this reinforcement. I express my complete confidence that you will discharge your duty with a proud and great resolution to serve your nation and secure your country," Gen. Iqbal Ali Nadir, deputy to army's chief of staff, told a graduation ceremony held here.
The new graduates have received a three-month training period at the Kabul Military Training Center (KMTC) in the eastern part of the Afghan capital city Kabul.
The soldiers will be deployed in countryside to ensure peace and stability, the military official said.
"Please remember, no one wins on their own alone in the battlefield. Teams win battles, and if you can win the hearts and minds of people, the people will help you win all the battles," he said.
The latest graduation came as Taliban militants and Islamic State (IS) affiliates have escalated attacks during recent months and fighting has been continuing in half of the country's 34 provinces.