Commuters say two key highways insecure in Baghlan

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The residents in northern Baghlan province complained that due to ongoing conflict it was almost impossible to travel on roads of provincial capital Pul-i-Khumri and Baghlan-i-Markazi district.

They say fighting started on Tuesday morning in Dand-i-Ghori and Jangal Bagh localities and were still underway. The situation has caused less passengers’ vehicles to travel through Baghlan-Kunduz highway.

Mohammad Safar, a resident of Baghlan-i-Markazi, told Pajhwok Afghan News Taliban had a face-off with security forces in Jangal Bagh locality. “Small number of public transport is seen on Pul-i-Khumri- Kunduz highway and police do not allow large trucks because of security situation.”

He urged officials to ensure security so that passengers could travel without fear. Gawhar Khan Baburi, Baghlan-i-Markazi district chief, said Taliban opened fire on a passengers’ vehicle, leaving two passengers wounded.

He said three insurgents were killed and five local police were wounded in the ensuing battle.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed the group had attacked a military convoy in the district, inflicting heavy casualties on police.

Meanwhile, following demolition of two bridges in Dand-i-Ghori locality, commuting between the locality’s residents and provincial capital has been suspended.

Zakrullah, a resident of the locality, said two bridges were blown up by Taliban on Tuesday, creating unspeakable problems for residents. Due to prevalent insecurity, he said, people could not come out of their homes.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Jabar Purdeli, Baghlan police chief, said during the gun battles, Taliban suffered heavy casualties and two policemen also lost their lives.

Dand-i-Ghori locality has been under Taliban control in the last one month.

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