Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday met with members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) at 215 Maiwand Army Corps in Helmand amid rising calls for reforms in the security institutions and a spike in Taliban attacks.

Addressing a group of soldiers, the president pledged that government will implement systematic reforms in Afghanistan's security institutions.

He said that the Taliban has lost the war in recent weeks in Helmand and the war capabilities of Afghan forces has progressed over the past few years.

"The situation in Helmand once meant the people saw the army as an enemy and the army saw the people as the enemy, but we changed this situation and it is great again," said Ghani.

He also pledged to bring reforms to Helmand's security sector.

"Bureaucracy in such cases is unacceptable to our security and defense leadership and it unacceptable to us also, there should be systematic change," he said.

Meanwhile, local officials in Helmand have called on the president to order the formation of a special air force unit to prevent the smuggling of precious stones from Helmand and to curb drug smuggling in the province.

"So that we are able to control the smugglers and thieves of the mines in Helmand and prevent the movement of the enemy," said Helmand governor Hayatullah Hayat.

"From soldier to generals are fighting the enemy, all of them including myself are prepared to fight against the enemy in all areas of Helmand," said General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, commander of Maiwand Army Corps.

Ghani's visit to Helmand comes at a time that the Taliban have a grip on certain areas in the province and are embroiled in ongoing battles with the insurgents.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/7711

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