Operation launched in four Helmand districts

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): A security operation has been launched in four districts of southern Helmand province to improve security situation there, the provincial governor said on Sunday.

Hayatullah Hayat told a press conference in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, said the operation codenamed “Maiwand Dara” was launched last night in Sangin, Nad Ali, Marja and Garamsir districts.

He said foreign troops were providing air support to the operation aimed at improving security in the four districts. The governor said a number of roads, which had long been closed against traffic, would be reopened as a result of the operation.

“This operation will result in reopening of the Marja-Lashkargah road,” Hayat said, adding security posts would be established in Nad Ali and other areas.

The governor said operations in other parts of the province would be launched as well against militants.

However, a member of the provincial council, Attaullah Afghan, said similar operations in the past had yielded no positive results. “In such operations, only civilians are killed and people are displaced from their homes. There is no other benefit of these operations.”

Another member of the council,  Mohammad Hussain Alizada, previous operations had been unsuccessful in Helmand.

A resident of Marja district, Mohammad Arif, said insecurity had lately increased in the district. “Due to landmines and clashes, people cover a short distance in several hours.”

Helmand is the most insecure province where the Taliban have been in control of six districts and some areas near the provincial capital.

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