Jawzjan villages purged of Taliban

SHIBERGHAN (PAN): Five villages have been cleared of insurgents as a result of a security operation in northwestern Jawzjan province, an official said on Tuesday.

Shah Salim, Turkmen Oldi and Khanaqa villages in Faizabad district had been purged of fighters, provincial police chief, Col Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The rebels were also forced into fleeing Mamliak and Qabchaq villages of Qush Tepa district, where a Taliban commander was captured during the operation on Tuesday morning.

A resident of the area, Shah Mohammad, said Taliban commanders Qari Aman, Hezbullah and Niamatullah were leading the insurgency in Qush Tepa district. Similarly, Maulvi Ahmad Shah and Maulvi Noman led the rebels in Faizabad.

He recalled some areas of the district had previously been cleared of militants, who returned after security forces left the villages.

“If the government does not have a clear programme for securing the areas, the operation would have no effect and Taliban would regain control of the areas” he said.

A resident of Faizabad, who did not want to be named, alleged the Taliban were forcing people into paying Ushr and Zakat. The guerrillas sought one kilogram of wheat per 10 kilograms besides taking money from livestock owners, he claimed.

“We are happy that militants have fled the area, but the government should make a viable plan to prevent their return,” he remarked.

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