Afghanistan marks anniversary of independence

The war-torn Afghanistan marked the 96th anniversary of its independence from the British empire occupation on Wednesday.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani laid a wreath at the Afghan Independence Minaret during a celebration held inside the country's Defense Ministry compound.

Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, acting Defense Minister Mohammad Massoum Stanikzai, parliament Speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, National Security Advisor Mohammad Anif Atmar and former President Hamid Karzai were among those attended the event.

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

Earlier on Wednesday, teenagers and youth in traditional Afghan costumes marched by cars and bikes through the streets of Kabul while carrying national flags.

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

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