ANDSF Showcases Air Force as Country Braces for US Pullout

The Afghan National Army (ANA) on Wednesday showcased its military capabilities in various parts of the capital Kabul as NATO and US colleagues prepare to withdraw from the country in the next few months.

Dozens of aircraft, among them transportation carriers and bombers, were showcased in Kabul.

Speaking on the occasion, Gen. Yasin Zia, the acting Minister of Defense, said that the ANA has also established a counter-terrorism intelligence cell for the Afghan Air Force (AAF) to help direct the operations independently.

Zia said that over the past six months, more than 7,000 Taliban fighters were eliminated in operations by the Afghan security forces.

The Afghan National Army has over 170 military aircraft including ten types of military helicopters which were provided by the US.

“The main thing for us today is financial assistance and the purchase of weapons and other equipment from the companies—all contracts for purchase are solid—these issues will not go to zero once the foreigners leave the country,” said Zia.

“If they (Taliban) do not make peace, the army will give them a well-measured response,” said Abdullah, a member of the Afghan National Army (ANA).

“We will continue our services within the army with higher morale than ever before,” said Arifa, an ANA officer.

“We do not suggest war to anyone, but if anyone tries to take over any of our cities, then they have seen the outcome of such a move in the past,” said Yasin Zia, referring to the Taliban.

There are around 350,000 soliders serving in the ranks of the Afghan security forces.

The ANDSF is now preparing to shoulder the overall security responsibility of Afghanistan in less than five months once foreign forces leave.