KABUL – Casualties among Afghan National Army Soldiers have risen sharplythis month, compared to last month, said Major Gen. Abdul Raziq Siawash,the Commander of the Afghan National Army (ANA) Health Department.

Although, Siawash did not provide an exact figure about the overall numberof deaths of soldiers, he said the increase in casualties comes despite theongoing efforts to reach a peace agreement.

Deputy minister of defense, Iaqbal Ali meanwhile paid tribute to all thehardworking military medical staff.

He said: “We appreciate our doctors and surgeons for working day and nightto treat our wounded officers,” said deputy minister of defense Iaqbal Ali.