KABUL(SW):Masoum Stanekzai, Acting Defense Minister has said that 20 to 30 terrorists groups are active in the region that disturb the security in Afghanistan and the region.
Speaking at the Oversight and Coordination Body (OCB) meeting here on Monday, he said these groups are trying to set-up bases in Afghanistan in an attempt to use Afghanistan to threaten the whole region.
He said these terrorist groups are supported by various sources and they (terrorist groups) cooperate with each other to reach their objectives.
He vowed the security forces were strong enough to fight the rebels and defend the motherland.
The Minister asked donor countries to continue their support for the Afghan government, particularly in strengthening the Afghan Air Force (AAF). Stanikzai also informed the meeting about the recent appointment of 60 army generals in a bid to improve security in the country.
He further said that the ministry has recently absorbed 50,000 young cadets into various branches of the security forces from 15 provinces.
Separately, Interior Minister Noorul Haq Olumi, told Wolesi Jirga on Monday that the shortcomings in regard to the AAF and other resources, the security forces were faced with multiple challenges and the militants take advantage of it. He mentioned efforts were underway to acquire support from various countries for the Air Force and heavy arms.
The OCB was hosted by the Ministry of Finance and was attended by the representatives of a number of donor countries in Afghanistan.
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