Afghanistan marks anniversary of independence

The war-torn Afghanistan on Thursday marked the 97th anniversary of its independence from the British occupation by holding meetings and celebrations across the country amid tight security.

"On this historic day, I call on all Afghans to work for peace, prosperity and stability. And I urge Afghan people to stand with their security forces as our security forces have already proved that they can defeat the enemies," Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said in his Independence Day address during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace on Thursday morning.

During the celebration, the Afghan president paid tribute to security forces who have sacrificed their lives for stabilizing peace and security in the central Asian country.

"We must also together pay homage to the sacrifices of their security forces. Their sacrifices, and their determination, over the past two years, had assured us that we can defend our country and we can win the imposed war against our nation," Ghani said while thanking the people of Afghanistan for their support to their security forces.

Afghan Defense Minister Gen. Abdullah Khan Habibi, Mohammad Masoom Stanikzai, head of National Directorate for Security or intelligence agency, Ahmad Zia Massoud, special envoy to the president for reform and good governance, Mohammad Anif Atmar National Security Advisor and former President Sibghatullah Mujadidi were among those attended the event.

Earlier on Thursday, Ghani laid a wreath at the Afghan Independence Minaret during a celebration held inside the country's defense ministry compound.

Afghan people under the leadership of then king Amanullah Khan regained independence from Britain on Aug. 19, 1919.

The Independence Day was also marked in some of the country's 34 provinces amid tight security. Enditem