KABUL, March 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The US military in Afghanistan has allocated over 80 million US dollars to rebuild its main bases at Bagram and Kandahar Airfields in Afghanistan, commander of Air Expeditionary Wing said Monday.

    "About 83 million dollars in military construction is underwayat Bagram and Kandahar. We are continuously improving runways, taxiways, navigation aids, airfield lighting, billeting and other facilities to support our demanding mission," James Hunt announced at a news conference.

    Bagram, 50 km north of the capital Kabul, has been serving as the headquarters of the US-led 18,000-strong coalition troops since the collapse of Taliban regime in late 2001 while Kandahar in south Afghanistan facilitates US army to hunt down the Taliban-led insurgents in the southern rugged region.

    "We expect that there will be some type of coalition or ISAF force in Kandahar for sometimes to come because it is a very strategic base for operation in the south," the US Brigadier General noted.

    Over 8,000 NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) have been assisting the US-dominated coalition to ensure durable stability in war-shattered Afghanistan.

    More than 150 aircraft of the US-led coalition belonging to theair force, army and navy have been conducting their military and routine operations from Bagram and Kandahar airfields.

    "Our air force presence is over 1,000-people strong," noted thecommander.

    "We will continue to carry out our mission as long as necessaryto secure a free and democratic society for the people of Afghanistan," he emphasized. Enditem