Most Ghazni attacks planned in Waghaz: Official

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Most insurgent attacks in southern Ghazni province are organised in Waghaz district, an official said on Monday.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, the district’s administrative chief acknowledged the presence of hundreds of militants in the town.

He said fighters from Qarabagh, Andar and Zankhan districts, as well as different parts of Pakistan, sneaked into Waghaz to plan their attacks.

“As a result, the district has become insecure. They are terrorising innocent people and warning them against working for the government,” the official added.

Asked why counterinsurgency operations were not conducted in Waghaz, he replied: “Security posts around the district centre often come under attack.”

But the government had not paid proper heed resolving to the long-running problem, he alleged, warning that residents could swell insurgent rank if the current situation persisted.

Resident Abdul Kabir claimed many parts of the district were under Taliban’s control. He said the government’s writ was weak even in the main bazaar and surrounding villages.

“There is a police presence in only village while the rest of areas are being controlled by militants, including Pakistanis,” the dweller maintained.

Provincial council member Hamidullah Sarwari also underlined the need for purging the district of the fighters. “No senior official has visited Waghaz so far to assess people’s problems and resolve them…”

Ghazni police chief Brig. Gen. Zarawar Zahid verified the security challenge in the district, but he believed the situation was improving.

“After the pullout of foreign troops from Waghaz, the Taliban thought Afghan forces will not be able to maintain security. But their assessment was flawed,” he remarked.

mud