Taliban again flexing muscles in Logar

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): The Taliban have intensified their presence, controlling parts of Azra and Kharwar districts of central Logar province, officials said on Wednesday.

The rebels have sanctuaries in several villages of Kharwar district, from where they stage attacks on security forces and restrict the movement of government employees.

Haji Samar Gul Rashid, the Azra district administrative chief, confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News that militant activities had escalated with the arrival of the summer season.

Din Mohammad Darwish, the governor’s spokesman, also acknowledged the growing insurgent presence that posed problems to government officials. But security forces, backed by uprising groups, had purged many areas of rebels, he added.

Col. Abdul Hakim Ishaqzai, the provincial police chief, said many militants had either been killed or wounded in the wake of a recent offensive launched in the area.

Naqibullah Stanikzai, an official from Kharwar district, said he was unable to distribute national identity cards to residents because of Taliban threats.

Sur Fatikhel, an ALP commander in Azra district, said officials could not move freely because of Taliban’s presence in the area.

nh/rm/mud

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