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Afghanistan
ANA advances in Paktia
2017-08-02
Government forces are making progress in the ongoing military operation in Janikhail district in the far east of Paktia province, military officials confirmed.

The officials said the military operation was launched on Tuesday.

Janikhail, a strategic district close to the Durand Line, was captured by the Taliban eight days ago.

“Key areas of Janikhail including Reshpakai Pass (towards the center of the district) were retaken by government forces early on Tuesday morning at 5am local time. So far, 101 Taliban fighters including foreign fighters have been killed and 87 others wounded and two vehicles belonging to the Taliban were destroyed during the operation,” said Major Gen. Abdul Wase Milad, Commander of 203 Atal Military Corps.

According to Paktia officials, Taliban has suffered heavy losses in offensives by security forces.

“Security forces are advancing by adapting special tactics against the Taliban. Taliban has suffered heavy losses in the battle. Key check posts were retaken,” Paktia Police Chief Colonel Nisar Ahmad Abdul Rahimzai said.

A Border Police commander meanwhile suggested that the local check posts in various parts of the district must be strengthened – in order to prevent a comeback by the Taliban.

“Same as last year, this year too, check posts fell to the enemy. These check posts must be reinforced and empowered. The check posts near the Durand Line must be strengthened,” said Raz Mohammad Mandozai, commander of Second Regiment of Afghan Border Police in Paktia.

Paktia governor meanwhile raised another issue, which according to him, fuels and continues the war in Janikhail.

Governor Shamim Khan Katawazai told TOLOnews that “the Pakistani military supports the Taliban in the fight against Afghan security forces in the district”.

“At least 600 Taliban fighters entered this side of the Durand Line. These fighters receive direct command from Punjabi commanders,” Katawazai said.

“Almost 50 Punjabi nationals were among them (Taliban fighters), to command (the fighters) and we have arrested a number of them and they have confessed (about their nationality and their role in the war). Janikhail is a key district. Their goal is to destabilize Paktia and Khost provinces' districts from Janikhail,” Katawazai stated.

This comes amidst a series of Taliban attacks in many districts across the country including Kohistan in Faryab, Taywara in Ghor and Janikhail in Paktia province in the past two weeks.

However, security forces managed to retake Taywara, Kohistan and Baghlan-e-Markazi district in the north and western parts of war-ravaged Afghanistan.

The Defense Ministry assured the public earlier this week that it will retake Janikhail in the near future.

The Janikhail district is located 150 kilometers to the west of Gardez City. It shares a border with Kurram Agency and Parachinar regions across the Durand Line – the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Posted by:badanov

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