Taliban’s tax collection post destroyed in Baghlan

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Security forces destroyed a Taliban tax collection point during an operation on Kabul-Mazar-i-Sharif Highway in northern Baghlan province, an official said on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Wais Samimi, Baghlan police chief, told reporters here that Afghan forces launched an operation to dismantle the Taliban’s tax collection post in Cheshma-i-Shir area on Monday afternoon.

He said six Taliban militants were killed and four others wounded during a clash and their tax post was destroyed.

He added that efforts were underway to tighten security on Kabul-Mazar-i-Sharif highway.

On the other hand, Karim Shahin, Baghlan petroleum department director, said that the Taliban had been taking tax from trucks transferring petroleum materials on the highway.

“The prices of petroleum will definitely fall after the operation and ensuring security on the highway,” he said, adding that previously the petroleum prices were high due to Taliban taxes.

The Taliban did not comment on the incident so far. The group previously had said they collect taxes only from vehicles that import goods from foreign countries.

Mds/ma