Delivering their annual report for the last solar year, 1402 (April 2023 to March 2024), ministry of defense officials said Wednesday, the national army conducted 813,352 operations, resulting in the seizure of 588 light weapons, 60 heavy weapons, 1,515 kilograms of explosives, 239 hand grenades, 44 radios, 40 binoculars, 386 vehicles, and 1,982 motorcycles.

The officials stated that security has been ensured nationwide, combat activities have significantly decreased, and civilian casualty rates are also down.

The officials outlined the ministry’s core mandates, emphasized the need for the protection of national values and sovereignty, for the support of security and law enforcement, for collaboration with sectoral agencies, for assistance to victims of natural disasters, and the coordination of efforts with national defense and security institutions.

According to the officials, over the past year, 1,383 landmines were neutralized.

Speaking to the media the officials said that to bolster border security and prevent security incidents, a substantial number of battalions, bases, and security posts have been established across the country.

“The Air Force carried out 4,218 operational and training flights, restored a Black Hawk helicopter, activated the flight academy, and transported 77 martyrs and 567 injured individuals affected by natural disasters over the past year,” the officials said.

The officials also said that during the past year significant achievements in military education include the enrollment of 500 high school graduates into the National Military Academy of Hazrat Maaz bin Jabal, the recruitment of 120 cadets into the flight academy, 390 cadets into the National Military Academy of Hazrat Nu'man bin Sabit, and the graduation of 5,414 cadets from the National Defense University of Hazrat Ubaidah bin Jarrah.

The officials further noted that, over the past year, 12,781 personnel completed various training courses, and 73 medical students graduated from different military medical disciplines.

The ministry has also implemented financial, administrative, and procurement reforms, resulting in full transparency across all processes.

The ministry has reviewed six key legislative documents and submitted them to the Ministry of Justice for processing, as well as reviewed 54 policies and procedures to optimize the ministry’s structures and related activities.

The ministry also briefed about the priorities of the current year.

“For the current year, the ministry’s critical priorities include the procurement of weapons, combat techniques, and military equipment, conducting operations across seven security zones, enhancing the capabilities of the National Islamic Army, strengthening intelligence operations, ensuring coordination with defense and security agencies, drafting and reviewing legislative frameworks, implementing structural reforms, constructing facilities, and improving logistical, healthcare, and support services,” said the ministry officials.