Mullah Mohammad Afzal Mazlom, first deputy defense minister, on Sunday urged the army to defend the country’s borders and strive to have an "independent" army.

Talking at a ceremony in Balkh province, Mazlom called on military forces to ensure the people’s security and safety.

“We should try to have a free and independent army and we must work to preserve the freedom we have gained,” Mazlom said while introducing Mawlawi Attaullah Omari as the commander of the Balkh army corps.

Omari meanwhile said he will try to train the soldiers at the military corps. “We will provide military training,” he said.

Balkh's governor, Mawlawi Qudratullah Abuhamza, speaking at the same event said soldiers from different ethnic groups have been recruited into the Balkh military corps and he said they will ensure security and safety of the people.

“Those who served in the Islamic Emirate will be appreciated by the officials of the Islamic Emirate,” he said.

During the former government, the Balkh military corps was named the 209 Shaheen Military Corps, and was one of the largest corps in the country.

In the meantime, Balkh security officials said Mansouri Forces, who have received special training and are equipped with advanced weapons, have entered Mazar-e-Sharif city to maintain security.