Afghan military aircraft--fixed wing planes and choppers-- have been brought back from neighboring countries, authorities said on Saturday. Further details, such as the exact number of aircraft, was not provided.

With the rapid fall of the country to the Islamic Emirate, many Afghan Airforce pilots and maintenance workers, fearing for their lives, fled the country in military aircraft to neighboring countries. 

The commander of the Al-Fath Corps in the northern province of Balkh, Ataullah Omari, said that efforts were underway to transfer the aircraft back.

“Those aircraft transferred abroad have been returned to the country. As a result of continued efforts, some of the aircraft were brought back to Afghanistan,” he said.  

The Islamic Emirate once again called on Afghan pilots to return home, saying there is no threat to them.  

Balkh Airforce Commander Ziaul Haq Assim said that maintenance staff had recently repaired an aircraft that was broken.  

“An aircraft was broken, and it should have been sent to Dubai for repairs… but our engineers and maintenance repaired the aircraft,” said Ziaulhaq Assim, commander of Balkh Airforce.  

This comes as the Afghan Air Force conducted a military drill about one week ago.  

Acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqob said that the Islamic Emirate was committed to establishing a strong Air Force.