General John Nicholson, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan on Wednesday said winning the war in Afghanistan was crucial for the future of humanity as Afghan security forces continue to fight the insurgents in different fronts across the country.
He reaffirmed Washington's enduring cooperation with the Afghan security forces in the campaign against terrorism in the country.
"The fight against terror is the most important fight in the world, the costs of failure are unimaginable, we must win not only for the future of this country, but humanity sake." Said Nicholson.
Nicholson also hailed the sacrifices of the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF).
"Undefeated! This is the perfect word to describe the Afghan national defense and security forces, we fight alongside you as you fight for better future for your families, for your comrades, for your entire country." said Nicholson.
Meanwhile, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has said that the Afghan security forces will be victorious in the battle against the insurgents. The security forces will change Afghanistan into a graveyard for the terrorists, he said.
"it is a message to terrorists, you can wound us, but you will never overcome us, you will never break us, we will break you, we will finish you, this country will be the grave of terrorism." Said Ghani.
The officials made the remarks during the The Invictus Games flame lit ceremony in Kabul.
The Invictus Spirit Flame was lit today during a moving ceremony at the Afghanistan Presidential Palace in Kabul. The flame will travel to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany later this month before returning to Canada to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, symbolizing the journey of many service members from the battlefield to the Invictus Games - and from injury to recovery.
"Many Invictus Games competitors served and became ill or were injured in Afghanistan," said Michael Burns, CEO, Invictus Games Toronto 2017. "In fact, 14 of the 17 nations participating in the 2017 Invictus Games had service personnel killed or injured there (Afghanistan). The country is now also indelibly woven into the national fabric of Canadian military history. It is fitting that the Invictus Spirit Flame be lit in Kabul."
"For us to stand here in freedom, thousands have lost their lives," said President Ghani. "Freedom is a product of this collective sacrifice. Invictus represents the triumph of will over adversity."
The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will capture the imagination of the Canadian public, corporations, and governments, as well as soldiers, veterans, and their families. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 are funded by the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, City of Toronto as well as Presenting Partner Jaguar Land Rover and other partners and sponsors.
Following Kabul, the flame will travel to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany, a key surgical treatment center for wounded soldiers, including Canadians who were injured in Afghanistan.
There, Team Canada competitor retired Cpl. Chris Klodt and Team Canada co-captain Maj. Simon Mailloux will be on hand to receive the flame. Team Canada members will have the opportunity to thank the medical staff there for saving their lives and returning them home to their families.
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/7935
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