AFGHANISTAN REJECTS PENTAGON REPORT ON AFGHAN FORCES CASUALTIES

Kabul, 7 Muharram 1435/11 November 2013 (MINA) – The ministry of defense of Afghanistan on Sunday rejected the recent report by Pentagon regarding the Afghan security forces casualties.

Gen. Zahir Azimi, defense ministry spokesman said the report by Pentagon does not reflect the truth regarding the casualties of the Afghan security forces, Khaama Press quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Pentagon in its congressional report informed of a spike in Afghan security forces casualties and said that Afghan national army and Afghan national police casualties have increased by 79 percent in 2013.

The Pengaton report also stated that the coalition security forces casualties have reduced by 60 percent, and the report cited Afghan security forces lead in combat operations as the main reason behind growing casualties.

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Pentagon also warned that the Afghan national security forces will be at great risk without the support of the international community beyond 2014.

However, Afghan defense ministry rejected Pentagon’s report which suggested that the Afghan security forces casualties have increased by 79 percent.

The Afghan defense ministry however confirmed that the Afghan security forces casualties have increased as compared to the previous years.

The ministry in a statement said Afghan security forces casualties have increased by 14 percent due to security transition.

The statement further added that Pentagon’s report regarding Afghan security forces casualties is not correct, and insisted that Afghan security forces casualties have increased but not to the extent of 80 percent. (T/P09/E1).

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).