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| Afghanistan |
| Afghan Army Evacuates Three Bases in Volatile Helmand |
| 2016-02-22 |
| Major general Mohammad Moeen Faqir, commander of 215 Maiwand Army Corps said Sunday that Afghan National Army (ANA) troops have withdrawn from three bases in Musa Qala and Nawzad districts in a move to improve security situations in the volatile province. The three bases evacuated by the Afghan army are Sher Ghazian and Roshan tower bases in Musa Qala and Dahni base in Nawzad district. As Taliban insurgency in Helmand shows no sign of ending, officials from Helmand provincial council have warned the move will further deteriorate security in the area. The Ministry of Defense however has yet to comment on the move and the number of troops who were deployed in these bases. According to members of the provincial council, 400 ANA troops were deployed in each base. The ANA allegedly torched all three bases after leaving them. Security forces also reportedly evacuated the area under tight security from air and ground. Meanwhile, provincial governor Mirza Khan Rahimi has said that the Afghan army evacuated the bases in line with a comprehensive strategy. "We have no concerns regarding this step, but we have plans in place to ensure security of vulnerable areas," said Mirza Khan Rahimi, governor of Helmand. Helmand provincial council has criticized the ministry of defense for taking such a decision and warns of dire consequences. "They [security forces] have left their military bases and outposts. Not only Musa Qala, but also Nawzad district is under the control of the Taliban," said Ataullah Afghan, secretary of Helmand provincial council. Local officials believe that with the evacuation of ANA troops, security threats will likely rise in the area. "It is going to be a difficult job for the government to retake the areas and ensure security," said Hayatullah Mayar, a member of the Helmand provincial council. But MoD spokesman Dawlat Waziri said the troops have moved to defend people in other areas. "They are getting prepared to defend people in areas under the threat of militants," said Waziri. Musa Qala and Nawzad districts have long been under threat by insurgents. Helmand provincial council says that the withdrawal of Afghan army soldiers could deteriorate security in the areas where troops withdraw from their bases. |
| Posted by:badanov |
| #1 I hope they at least left some IED presents behind. |
| Posted by: Sven the pelter 2016-02-22 10:39 |