Afghan media reports say the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has recruited more than 130,000 troops.

Citing Inayatullah Khwarazami, a spokesman for MoD, TOLOnews says the ministry intends to bring the troop strength to 150,000 soldiers.

“More than 130,000 people have been registered and this process will continue. With the completion of registration, the Afghans will see an independent, well-formed and committed military who will provide security and defend the Afghan soil and borders,” Khwarazami was cited as saying.  

However, the uniform for the new troops has yet to be determined, according to TOLOnews.  

The MoD spokesman reported added that all former female employees of the MoD are still being paid and some of them are still working within the ministry. 

“The women who were working in the Ministry of Defense are still working, for example, they are in the health department and other departments. The leadership of the Islamic Emirate and Defense Ministry will make a decision about them. They are still receiving their salaries,” Khwarazami said. 

Meanwhile, veterans suggested that professional and experienced individuals should be included in the military.

“The important things are the education and professional training, capability, equipment and budget,” Asmatullah Nadeem, a military veteran, said in an interview with TOLOnews. 

“A neutral, real, professional and independent army should be formed,” Samar Sadat, a military veteran, noted.   

The number of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) of the former government was more than 350,000.