Admitting some shortcomings in protecting remote districts from falling to militants, the Afghan Army Chief Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, who was newly appointed to his post, pledged that the top priority is to safeguard major cities, border towns and highways.

He said that the closure of border towns, supply routes and attacks on major cities and districts are among the goals of the Taliban, but he assured the people that such attempts will be repelled.

Since the US forces left their biggest base in Afghanistan--Bagram Airfield--Afghan forces are looking into ways to effectively use the facility.

The evacuation of the US forces from Bagram Airfield has been accompanied with many questions as well as concerns.