The Islamic Emirate deployed a group of quick reaction forces to the northeastern province of Badakhshan to maintain security for the people and to protect the borders, local officials said.

The new quick reaction forces are reportedly equipped with modern light and heavy weapons. 

Local officials in Badakhshan province said that the quick reaction forces have been trained for two months and are ready to provide security along the borders and beside local residents. 

“Afghanistan wants to have a powerful army as other countries have," said Nesar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Badakhshan.  

The local officials also called for a strong army in the country. 

“Every country has the right to have a powerful army and Afghanistan also needs to have an army that can defend its borders,” said Sher Ahmad Jawad, the head of the Vice and Virtue office in Badakhshan.

Several residents of Badakhshan province welcomed the forces. “The forces who are trained will be effective in maintaining security in Badakhshan," Abdul Baes Hakimi said. 

Badakhshan is located in the northeastern part of Afghanistan and shares a border with Tajikistan.