Baghlan security assessed ahead of next month’s poll

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): High-ranking security officials from the northern zone on Thursday visited Baghlan province and assessed the province’s security situation.

Afghan National Army’s 209 Shaheen Military Corps commander Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmazai told reporters in Pul-i-Khumri, Baghlan’s capital, that the aim of their visit was to assess the security situation and to launch clearing operations ahead of the Sept. 28 presidential election.

Similarly, 217 Pamir Zone police commander Gen. Nabiullah Mirzai said security operations would also be conducted to improve security on highways in the province. “We are trying to conduct combing operations in order people could fearlessly participate in the election.”

However, Baghlan provincial council chief Safdar Muhseni told the meeting that Baghlan needed fresh security forces. “If fresh forces are not sent here, it is hard for the available forces to maintain peace in the troubled province.”

The public representative said the insurgents were strengthening with each passing day and they could strengthen enough until the election.

The high ranking security officials are visiting Baghlan province at a time when clashes have been ongoing in various parts of the province between security forces and Taliban insurgents.

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