Iran aiding insurgents in Herat: Qatali

HERAT CITY (PAN): Iran has been providing anti-Afghan government elements with weapons and military equipment in western Herat province, alleged the provincial council chief on Thursday.

Syed Wahid Qatali levelled the allegation against Iran at a gathering mourning the death of a former public representative, Arbab Zahir, in Herat City, the provincial capital.

Zahir was assassinated by unknown gunmen a day earlier. His dead body was brought and placed in front of the provincial council office by his relatives as a mark of protest.

Qatali accused intelligence agencies of neighbouring countries of killing Zahir, alleging Iran assisted Afghan insurgents.

He claimed Iran had supplied 125 tonnes of explosives to the Taliban who received the material in Gul Dara border town before distributing it to fighters in northern districts.

“One neighbouring country exports terrorism to Afghanistan and Iran. The public reprehensive asked the government to deal with terrorists with an iron fist.

Herat police chief Brig. Gen. Rahmatullah Sapi confirmed receiving reports about arm supplies to insurgents from neighbouring countries. He asked the council to share such reports with security organs before making them public.

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