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| Afghanistan |
| Qahraman Warns Against Underestimating Helmand Conflict |
| 2016-08-08 |
| Abdul Jabbar Qahraman, former head of the military operation for Helmand, on Sunday warned the Afghan government and security institutions against underestimating the ongoing insurgency in the volatile province. Looking skeptical about government's counter-insurgency policy, Qahraman blasted government over what he called a lack of commitment to end the Helmand turmoil and restore peace. New reports from the warfront in Helmand illustrates that currently up to five districts in the area are under the complete control of the Taliban. This comes as the group's efforts to extend their operations continues to threaten a further seven districts. "To be true, the enemy has increased its operations and they launched some coordinated attacks on some districts in Helmand; the enemy had a demonic plan to take control of the majority of districts in Helmand," a defense ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said. Currently insurgents control Musa Qala, Nawzad, Disho, Baghran and Nawmesh districts. Government controls only two districts - Garmsir and Khanashin - while insurgents have also tightened their grip on seven other districts including Khanashin, Kajaki, Sangeen, Nad Ali, Washir, Greshk and Marjah. "If the government - despite having a large number of forces and alongside the presence of foreign forces - cannot curb the war, this indicates government's weakness," said Qahraman. The number of Afghan security forces currently deployed and serving in Helmand is estimated to be between 35,000 and 40,000 soldiers; however there are rumors that a number of these soldiers are 'ghost soldiers'. "Opponents and the Taliban exist there, they have a well-equipped force," said Abdul Rahman Sarjang, former police chief of Helmand. Video report at the link |
| Posted by:badanov |