|
MPs Slam War Strategy After 60 Troops Die In Helmand
MPs in the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) on Tuesday slammed the Afghan government for its war strategy on Helmand after Taliban fighters conducted a heavy offensive and inflicted a high casualty toll against embattled Afghan security forces.Reports have surfaced that up to 60 Afghan security personnel have so far been killed in the past few days in fierce fighting in the province. This has sparked outrage among Afghan lawmakers who believe that government's war strategy has failed in Helmand. MPs also sharply criticized security forces and cabinet for not focusing on the security of Helmand. It is said that some police force units have been under siege by the Taliban for several days. Fierce fighting broke out in Helmand three days ago after the Taliban made a fresh offensive against the hard-pressed Afghan security forces in the region. Currently, security forces are battling the insurgents on multiple fronts in volatile districts of Nad-e-Ali, Gereshk, Marjah, Nahr-e-Saraj and Khanshin. There are reports that up to 60 security personnel have been killed in the latest wave of fighting. It is also said that up to 10 check posts have collapsed to the Taliban. Angered by government's poor war strategy in Helmand, meanwhile, a number of Helmand MPs have said that the bodies of fallen soldiers are still lying on the ground and that the Taliban hung some bodies in trees. "Helmand is on the verge of collapse; 58 people were martyred during a single night; isn't it shameful? Isn't it a shame for the minister of defense, president, chief executive and minister of interior?" said Afghan senator Hashim Alokozai. "An elderly man was killed alongside his family and soldiers and was then hung in a tree; is there anyone to consider this sacrifice, " MP Lalai Hamidzai said. Helmand MPs have criticized the government and security institutions for not doing enough to improve the security situation in the volatile province. There are reports that the commander of local police fought until he ran out of ammunition. He was then killed, along with his wife, seven children and some soldiers. But no aid reached them. "We have undertaken comprehensive measures to retake control of several areas and fighting has started in some areas. We have taken necessary steps to recapture those areas which have collapsed," governor of Helmand Hayatollah Hayat said. Helmand was once a key Taliban stronghold in the south and has been a major point of battle for insurgents. The Taliban recently overran large parts of Helmand, leaving government forces in district centers like Sangin and Marjah barely clinging on to a few official buildings. Video report at the link Posted by: badanov 2016-06-01 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=457706 |