Militants pushed back in Helmand battle

LASHKRGHAH (Pajhwok): Police chief of southern Helmand province said militants had been pushed back in the fierce battle but landmines planting by rebels had slowed down advancement of security forces.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Qayyum Baqizoy expressed these views while visiting wounded policemen at a local hospital on Tuesday. Taliban offered stout resistance in Sangeen district during the 11 days fight with the security forces.

Scores of police and Afghan security forces personnel, civilians and rebels lost their lives during the firefight that lasted for several days, he added.

The major part of the fight had been over but planted landmines were a source of concern for the security forces and civilians. Fighting had ended in three neighboring districts in the north, he said, claiming of taking back control of some areas which were under militants’ control for the last five years.

During his visit, those wounded soldiers expressed courage to get back on duty after treatment and serve the motherland and nation.

However, a local elder Shamsullah Sehrai told a press conference in Lashkargah that fighting was still underway in Sangin posing serious threat to civilians in the vicinity. He demanded the central government to send reinforcement to control the situation.

sks/rm