LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan Defense Ministry on Thursday formally inaugurated a new Corps in Taliban hotbed Helmand province as part of efforts to stabilize security in the restive southern region.
"With the formation of Corps 215 security would be strengthened in Helmand," Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak in his opening remarks said.
Flanked by top U.S.-NATO commander General Stanley McChrystal, the Afghan Defense Minister said, "The priority of this Corps is to protect security and ensure peace in Helmand and neighboring provinces."
Notorious for growing poppy and militancy, Helmand is a stronghold of Taliban in the post-Taliban country. Afghan and the NATO-led forces after launching a major offensive against Taliban in mid February regained Marja district, a bastion of Taliban in Helmand province and restored government control there.
