Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry on Monday announced that 1,279 young people, including 200 women and girls, joined the Afghan army after completion of a three-month military training course.

Deputy Defence Minister Munira Yusufzada congratulated the new soldiers on Sunday while distributing the certificates to the army’s new service members.

“The newly graduated soldiers are capable enough to defend the country’s citizens, their property and the country’s freedom, and to serve the nation in each part of Afghanistan.’’

Afghanistan’s security and defence forces have been fighting a costly and complicated war, as more than 20 militant groups, according to officials, are active in the country.

The casualties of Afghan Government forces are reportedly high with 40 security personnel reportedly killed on average everyday.

In a deadly attack on a military base in the eastern Ghazni Province on Sunday, at least 30 personnel were killed and 20 others wounded.

No group including the Taliban outfit has claimed responsibility for the incident.

NAN