Kabul planning to launch regular army

By Ahmad Hassan

PESHAWAR, Jan 6: The Taliban militia regime, which controls some three-fourths of Afghanistan, has embarked upon launching a national army. In the first stage, Taliban sources said here, two army divisions and one air force corps would be formed. For this, the Taliban have sought the services of former Afghan army officials.

The preference is being given to the ex-servicemen from amongst those who have got training in countries other than communist states, especially the Muslim ones.

Former army officialshave been invited by the Taliban. Some of them are reported to have decided to return and join the national Afghan army. One general, Rahmatullah Safi have arrived in Pakistan and has been asked to go to Kandahar, where he will meet Taliban chief Mullah Umar. © DAWN Group of