Taliban being used as a tool in Helmand fighting: official

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Deputy Governor of southern Helmand province Mohammad Jan Rasoul Yar on Tuesday said Taliban were being used as a tool in the ongoing conflict in the province.

The purpose behind the current battle was economic gains as foreign intelligence agencies did not want the development of the province, Yar said while addressing 215th Maiwand Corps members.

The deputy governor noted Afghan security forces were capable of deterring all kinds of threats without support from foreign troops.  He said international mafia groups and foreign spy agencies supported terrorism and cultivation of poppies in Helmand.  

He called upon Taliban to renounce violence backed by foreigners and join the peace process in the supreme interest of Afghanistan. He remarked no problem could be resolved through the use of force.  

Maj. Gen. Abdullah, an official of the Defence Ministry, said Afghan forces had taken charge of the country’s security in compliance with a presidential decree. He said the number of armed forces had increased.

nh/mud

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