Operation against armed robbers underway

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN): Security forces have launched a search operation — codenamed Omid (Hope) –against armed rebels and robbers in a vast desert between Jawzjan and Faryab provinces, an official said on Saturday.

The commander of the 209^th Shaheen Military Corps in the northern zone, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Weesa, told Pajhwok Afghan News residents were also assisting security forces in the operation, which was launched two days ago.

Six key members of the Taliban movement have been killed in face-to-face combat and dozens of heavy and light weapons seized by the forces, including the Afghan National Army (ANA), police and intelligence operatives.

Residents have lately been faced with major problems at the hands of armed robbers, according to the commander, who hoped the offensive would address public complaints and stabilise the Lili desert.

Qurban Ali, a resident of Qarmqul area, said they were unable to commute in the area, where gunmen intercepted vehicles and looted passengers frequently.

Gen. Weesa said some suspected individuals had been detained during the ongoing operation and their fate would be decided once their interrogation was complete.

mm/mud

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