AFGHAN security forces’ numbers have suffered a sharp decrease in the past 12 months due to desertions and casualties, according to a new report.

Research from the US government’s Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Sigar) showed a 10 per cent drop to just 300,000 personnel as violence across the country continues to escalate.

The watchdog’s report emerged a day after two suicide blasts rocked Kabul, killing dozens, including 11 journalists and a number of children.