Kunduz militants have sophisticated weapons

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Officials in northern Kunduz province say though the morale and capabilities of the government forces remain strong, advanced weapons possessed by the enemy cause more casualties to the security personnel.

Police chief Col. Manzoor Stanikzai said in an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News Taliban Sahib and Dasht-i-Archi districts.

Carrying sophisticated arms, the Taliban Red Unit staged night attacks on the security forces, he said. At times, the unit drew a tit-for-tat response, but the security personnel suffered casualties, he added.

The official demanded the security forces be equipped with advanced weapons and military gear to suppress the rebels.

Stanikzai said the Ministry of Interior Affairs was aware of the situation. He hoped the arms shortfall would be addressed as soon as possible.

The police chief praised cooperation between people and security forces, acknowledging support from the masses. They were working day and night to prevent insecurity, he continued.

Noor Mohammad, a resident, said the Taliban Red Unit had caused the security forces huge casualties in recent months.

“At least 70 people were killed as a result of attacks by the Red Unit in Imam Sahib district in the past two months,” he claimed.

He said of the security forces’ morale was higher than the militants’, The fighters, however, used binocular rifles in nigh attacks and thus put the security personnel in trouble.

sa/mud