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| Afghanistan |
| Troops Struggle To Secure Lashkargah-Sangin Route |
| 2016-04-01 |
| Two months ago Afghan security forces started a military operation to reopen the Lashkargah-Sangin highway in southern Helmand province but despite this, the Taliban still has a widespread presence along a large section of the route. Security officials in the province argued that the pace of the operation is slow because they want to prevent civilian casualties. But reports have emerged that the Taliban planted land mines under culverts on the route and littered the area with IEDs. "They [the Taliban] have littered the previous road, which is asphalted, with mines. To reduce casualties we are using another route which is unpaved and is one kilometers away from the main road," said Mohammad Rahim Kohistani, a commander of the Afghanistan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP). Abdul Hadi Tarin, the deputy commander of 215th Maiwand military corps said that foreign militants, wearing masks, are taking part in the Taliban's attacks on Afghanistan security forces. Officials at the 215th Maiwand military corps said that their convoys have managed to reach Sangin district without any casualties on two occasions. Security troops in the area meanwhile said that military convoys reached Sangin district but with much difficulty. They said that after their arrival in Sangin they left the area to the Taliban, due to their strength and the troops' lack of weapons and personnel. "We are here to ensure safety of the people of Helmand province, but the problem is that we don't have enough equipment," said one of the soldiers in the area. Reports have emerged that the battles have become less intense in the area, because it is poppy harvesting time. But locals say the war will intensify after the poppies have been harvested. Video report at the link |
| Posted by:badanov |