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| Afghanistan |
| Taliban Strive to Sabotage Security in Faryab |
| 2014-09-01 |
| [Tolo News] The districts of northern Faryab province, particularly Ghormach and Qaisar, are under severe and active Taliban insurgency, according to Gen. Shereen Shah Kohbandi, commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps. The presence of 2,000 Taliban fighters and drug smugglers, insufficient arms and ammunitions for police and the interference of Pakistain have been noted as the main factors contributing to the insecurity of the districts. "There are around 600 local Taliban fighters in Ghormach and 450 fighters in Qaisar; a total of a thousand," Gen. Kohbandi told TOLOnews. "However, a person who gets all wrapped up in himself makes a mighty small package... additional fighters join when the group launches offensives." The Taliban fighters had blocked Qaisar-Ghormach highway for a week, but fled the area after a tense battle with the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). However, a person who gets all wrapped up in himself makes a mighty small package... the ANSF managed to pass the area in armored vehicles to avoid Taliban missile attacks. Moreover, many shops and bazaars along the area were closed. It is said that almost 95 percent of Ghormach is under Taliban threat as there is a visible presence of Taliban fighters on both sides of the highway that passes through the district. Reports indicate that in some areas Taliban fighters are present within 300-400 meters of the center of the district, gravely threatening the overall security. "Those posing threats to the security of Faryab are seeking guidelines from their Pak criminal masterminds," Gen. Kohbandi added. "They come like guests here; they create insecurity and flee back to Pakistain when they face any pressure." Taliban's notorious war tactics after losing an area is planting it with roadside mines with the alleged help of Pak experts. "The material used to make these mines is imported from Pakistain and those who design them are trained in Pakistain," the commander of mine clearance regiment of 209 Shaheen Army Corps, Gul Mohammad, said. Local reports indicate that the recent insecurities have majorly impacted Ghormach, disrupting people's daily lives. Mullah Adam Khayat, a resident of Ghormach, has lost his property as a result of the recent festivities in the area and has now resorted to selling tomatoes to make ends meet. "The clash between Taliban and the security forces devastated my entire property and I'm now seen selling tomatoes here from morning till dawn to provide for my family." The local police forces have been accused of failing to effectively confront the holy warriors in the area. In response, Faryab Police Chief Mohammad Nabi Elham highlighted that the lack of sufficient weaponries and military equipments are a reason for the untamed problems. "Truth is that our police force lacks sufficient weapons to fight the holy warriors with full force." A local police officer, Mohammad Qul, who has had first hand encounters in the fight, confirmed Elham's statements. "How can we fight the Taliban when we don't have artillery and tanks or proper weapons and our salaries have not been paid over the last five months?" he asked. Ghormach is considered one of the most insecure districts of Faryab. The country continues to experience a dramatic rise in the rate of insecurities as the election process drags on. |
| Posted by:Fred |