THOUSANDS of Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers have deserted the fledgling service after completing training by instructors from the United States, France and Britain, defence ministry officials said today.
"Some 3000 ANA soldiers have fled the army," ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi said.
"The defence ministry has announced that they have to come back and join the army otherwise they will have to pay for all the expenses spent on their training."
The desertions are a serious blow to the nascent ANA which, according to Zahir Azimi, numbers around 10,000 troops.
International observers have suggested the real strength of the ANA is closer to 7000.
Even though it is forecast to grow to be about 70,000-strong, the ANA's numbers are small in comparison to the 100,000 armed militia currently being disarmed and demobilised by government authorities.
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,8370470%255E1702,00.html
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