Situation worsens in Hesarak, residents flee homes

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Hundreds of militants have besieged the Hesarak district of eastern Nangarhar province over the past three days, well-placed sources said Thursday.

There are also media reports that the Hesarak district has fallen into the hands of insurgents, but local officials claim the district is in security forces control and fresh troops have reached the town.

Deputy Governor Habiba Kakar said hundreds of militants wanted to capture the Hesarak district but they faced strong resistance from security forces.

She said fresh forces had reached the district and had inflicted heavy casualties on militants.

While deploying reinforcements, two military helicopters crashed after colliding in the air two days back.

According residents, the Taliban captured some security check-posts recently and inflicted casualties on security forces.

A resident of the locality, wishing not to be named, said the Taliban launched group attacks on the district centre and some security posts.

“The district is under siege and it forced a large number of people to flee homes,” he added.

Ajmal Umar, deputy head of the Provincial Council, said the situation in Hesarak district was not good and urged special forces operations in the district to ensure stability.

nh/ma

Views: 89