Taliban recapture Kunduz villages as forces retreat

KUNDUZ (Pajhwok): Security forces have retreated from 10 villages in northern Kunduz province allowing the Taliban to recapture them near the provincial capital, public representatives and officials said on Wednesday, but did not provide a reason for the retreat.

They said the villages on the outskirts of Kunduz City were cleared of militants about 10 days ago during an operation. But last night the Taliban recaptured the areas, said the provincial council head, Amaruddin Wali.

He said the Taliban had been ruling Hazrat Sultan, Chaparma, Tablaqyan and Araban villages for the past four years until they were driven during an operation about 10 days ago. But the rebels recaptured the areas after the retreat of security forces.

“The security forces had successfully conducted their operations and cleared the areas of militants and we also thanked them at security meetings, but all the gains were lost,” Wali said.

Another member of the council, Safiullah Amiri, blamed insecurities in Kunduz on what he called lack of coordination among security forces and their weak leadership.

“Yesterday we travelled with the security forces to Hazrat Sultan area and we observed the forces had captured many areas.”

A resident of Hazrat Sultan village, Hakeem, said they fled to Kunduz City 12 days ago and were currently living in a home with four other displaced families.

“God may bring peace, so we return to our homes and fields. We demand nothing of the government except peace,” said the displaced person.

Security officials in Kunduz acknowledged the retreat which they said was staged after inflicting heavy casualties on the rebels. However, they could not provide a clear reason for the move.

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