Clashes displace thousands in Kapisa

MAHMOOD RAQI (PAN): More than 5,000 residents of a district in central Kapisa province were displaced by ongoing clashes between militants and security forces, an official said on Thursday.

The displaced families belonged to Alshahkhel, Ahangaran, Duzgaran, Bulandi and Lakakhel villages of Ala Sai district. Some families have taken refuge in their relatives’ houses, with others are migrating to Nijrab and Tagab districts.

Ala Sai district chief, Mullah Mohammad, told Pajhwok Afghan News the operation against insurgents in the district was called off on Thursday to allow affected families to return to their houses.

The offensive, involving Afghan and international troops, targeted 11 villages. The official said fierce clashes were reported in five villages.

A provincial council member, Najibullah Rahimi, confirmed the exodus, calling on donors to assist the displaced in returning to their homes. He revealed 51 houses were destroyed during the operation.

Shafiullah, a resident of the Lakakhel village who had taken refuge in his uncle’s house in Tagab district, asked the government to help them return to their hometown.

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