Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor said in reaction to the Taliban’s deadly attack on Balkh 209 Shaheen Military base last Friday that by carrying out such attacks, Afghanistan’s enemies will not bring down the nation.

“The enemies of Afghanistan must know that with such brutal and shameful acts they cannot bring the nation to its knees,” Noor said.

Speaking at a gathering in Mazar-e-Sharif on Tuesday, Noor said that weakness in leadership and the lack of a solid strategy to fight terrorists was a big challenge.

However, he assured the Afghan security forces that people will stand by them.

Noor criticized those who carried out such attacks in the name of Islam.

“Those Mullahs across the borders who declare Jihad against Afghanistan, watch porn movies in their own cinemas, but when we ask them why they don’t carry out Jihad in their own country they [Mullahs] in response say it is their obligation to maintain security in their country,” Noor added.

Noor also criticized security leadership and said that security officials should not be hired based on personal interests.

“Government leaders must not listen to those people around them, to hire people for their personal interests or because they are related, but instead leaders must be hired because of patriotism, bravery, and as good managers, otherwise our situation will get worse,” Noor added.

Meanwhile second CEO deputy Mohammad Mohaqiq, also called for a national mobilization against insurgents.

“Many times we have called for the Mujahideen and they [Mujahideen] can defend the country but so far this has not happened,” Mohaqiq said.

“Of all the amount of money that the international community spends a little of it can be spent on Mujahideen,” said Mohaqiq.

Unofficial reports indicate that Friday’s deadly attack on the 209 Shaheen Military Base in Balkh claimed the lives of over 200 soldiers.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.