The Afghan Public Protection Force (APPF) has started deploying forces to provide security to the Herat-Kandahar Highway, a key road in Afghanistan connecting southern and western provinces frequently attacked by insurgents, officials said Thursday.
More than 200 new graduates from the force will be positioned to secure the highway following a recent ban of private security companies whose main weapons and positions are now in use by the police force, the general officer of APPF in Herat Zone 606 Ansar told TOLOnews.
"We assure our citizens that we would work better than the private companies; we will provide security for the highway," Abdulhameed Azizi told TOLOnews.
Six private security companies were recently banned from operating in the vicinity of the Herat-Kandahar Highway for reports that they were involved in attacks in the area.
According to the Herat APPF officials, the Afghan forces of Zone 606 Ansar have completed their training and are ready to be deployed for security of Herat-Kandahar Highway as well as providing security for the construction of the Herat-Badghis section of the national ring road.
Azizi said he is confident they have sufficient artillery and they are capable of operating in a more professional manner than private companies.
The men making up the force were also confident they can secure the highway.
"We are wearing the outfit of a lion and will not withhold any efforts to defend our nation," one of the soldiers told TOLOnews.
"We are not afraid, and will defend the nation until the very last moment," another said.
Although the private companies have been banned from the area, there are reports suggesting there are still some operating despite having their licenses revoked.