Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on Saturday went to northern Balkh province where he attended a ceremony that was held to mark Martyrs Week.

Abdullah was welcomed by Balkh governor, Atta Mohammad Noor, despite ongoing tension between the two officials over a range of issues including Abdullah’s inability to secure Jamiat-e-Islami party's share in government.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) on Saturday said six Black Hawk helicopters will be handed over to the Afghan Air Force (AAF) by next week.

The Black Hawks will eventually replace the Russian Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters currently in use by the AAF.