The Afghan National Army on Thursday received 429 military vehicles, known as Humvees, as part of the US and NATO’s continued support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Deputy Defense Minister Shah Mahmoud Miakhil said the military equipment and the vehicles will be used to ensure the safety of the people. 

According to Mikhail, 215 of the Humvees were received in Kabul and 214 others were handed to the Ministry of Defense in Kandahar. 

“Preservation of the Afghan Security Forces is of vital importance to Afghanistan’s long-term stability and security,” said Lt. Gen. John Deedrick, commander of Combined Security Transition Command –Afghanistan (CSTC-A).

Defense Ministry said in a statement that so far this year, Afghan forces have 1,383 Humvees, 55 Mobile Strike Force vehicles, 10 helicopters and 4 A-29 aircraft from the United States.

“Over the past year, the US delivered $574 million of equipment to the Afghan government and our security forces as we fight terrorism and provide security for our people,” the Defense Ministry said.  

The statement added that the US will transfer $102 million more in equipment in near future.

This comes as violence has remained high in the country amidst the ongoing peace efforts. Recently, three provinces in the south of the country were attacked by the Taliban. 

Gen. Yasin Zia, Chief of Army Staff on Thursday said that the Afghan security forces have cleared Zherai and Panjwai districts of the Taliban.

He said the military operation will continue in those districts to help displaced families to repatriate safety to their homes.