Pro-govt commander dead in Faryab attack

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The commander of a pro-government local force was killed and five others disappeared as a result of a rebel attack on their check-post in northwestern Faryab province, an official said on Thursday.

Mohammad Saleh, the administrative chief of Almar district where the attack occurred, confirmed the incident but did not give further detail.

Khirullah Qarayee, the chief volunteer, said security forces were sleeping when Taliban attacked their check-post. He said Mohammad Amin was killed and five others have gone missing with their weapons.

Qarayee criticised the government for not supporting the volunteers. Residents of the locality equipped themselves with their own money to fight against the rebels, he added.

He said he often participated in security meetings and informed officials about the challenges faced by the people. But no attention was paid to addressing the problems of pro-government security forces, he alleged.

Provincial Council head Syed Abdul Baqi said protection of citizens was government’s responsibility, but the people of Qarayee provided the service voluntarily.    

Separately, a 16-year-old boy was killed in a traffic accident in the Saqa Kotal area of Almar district. Police chief Col. Syed Aqa said the driver managed to escape and seek refuge in a militant-controlled area.

nh/mud

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