KABUL - Referring to the recent spate of militant attacks in the country, President Ashraf Ghani's first vice president has warned the infamous Taliban leader Mullah Omar of retaliation.

First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum pledged, in front of a group of athletes—who were invited to the Presidential Palace to appreciate their sportsmanship—to fight shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) to avenge the innocent lives lost or wounded by Taliban attacks.

"I want to tell Mullah Omar, who sends suicide attackers to harm us, that no one will stand a chance against our forces; the national army, national police and National Directorate of Security," Dostum asserted. "They will realize the strength on the battlefield. And I assure the people that I will stand alongside our security forces and fight against the enemies."

He reemphasized that he is ready to defend the citizens of Afghanistan, ensuring that the "Taliban will not succeed in sabotaging the development of the country."

In response to Dostum's remarks, former deputy Minister of Interior welcomed the statement and hope that he meets his promise.

"I am confident that Dostum's 35 years of military experience will be helpful in eliminating violence," former Deputy Minister of Interior Mirza Mohammad Yarmand said.

Militant attacks have noticeably increased throughout the country, affecting the lives of innocent civilians. (Tolonews)