Daud death won’t affect security: officials

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN): Afghan and foreign security officials said on Thursday a massive bomb attack that killed senior security commanders in northern Takhar province would have no negative impact on the security situation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with NATO commanders, the 209th Shaheen Military Corps commander, Gen. Zalmay Wesa, said the spring offensive had successfully been completed in the north and northeast.

He said new operations would soon be launched against the insurgents. The spring offensive included operations Omid, Nawroz and Wahdat, which resulted in the deaths of 62 militants, including two commanders Maulvi Nimatullah and Maulvi Qudus.

To a question, he said, the death of Gen. Daud Daud, the 303rd Pamir Police Zone commander, would not undermine security in the north. Daud was among four other officials, including the Takhar police chief, killed in the bomb blast that rocked the governor’s compound last week.

“We are deeply concerned at Daud’s death, but security does not depend on a single person. Afghan forces are able to defend the region in partnership with foreign troops,” Wesa said.

Efforts were being made to bring to justice masterminds behind deadly attacks against security forces, he continued.

An ISAF commander told the press conference that nighttime operations were essential to defeat militants. He said they had received a special order from their high command to avoid civilian casualties during such operations.

Suspects arrested during nighttime operations would be handed over to Afghans.

ma/mud

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