Afghan, Pak forces mulling simultaneous raids

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Afghan and Pakistani forces are working on a strategy how to conduct simultaneous operations on both sides of the Durand Line to block the movement of militants, an official in eastern Nangarhar province said on Saturday.

Border police official Col. Mohammad Ayub Hassankhel told Pajhwok Afghan News that Afghan and Pakistani military officials had reached an agreement on how to conduct the simultaneous operations.

About two weeks ago, a delegation of the Afghan border police travelled to Pakistan and held talks with Pakistani officials about the security situation along the mutual border.

Hassankhel was part of the delegation. He said the trip was in compliance with orders from the president. “We met Pakistan’s military officials. At the meeting, it was promised that simultaneous operations would be carried out.” He said the operations would leave a positive impact on the region’s security.

“Each side will conduct operations in their own areas. We have our own leaders to follow their orders and launch operations in line with the government’s policy.”

He said the agreement on the same time operations was yet to be practically implemented, but military leaders of the two countries were working on the nature of the proposed operations.

“Rules of procedure will be written that will follow further talks,” Hassankhel said, adding that at the meeting he attended both the sides had agreed not to allow insurgents move between the countries.

“The Khyber Border Coordination Centre, which was closed some time ago, is being reactivated.  We and the Pakistanis have been ordered by their respective leaders to do so. We will share intelligence after the centre is made functional. We will share problems in the border region and will inform each other about them.”

To a question, Hassankhel said both the countries claimed they faced a common enemy. “Let’s see if this realisation is brought in practice.”

He said Afghans stood firm on their stance not to allow anyone to use their country’s soil against its neighbours.

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