Foreign rebels fighting alongside Taliban in Kandahar: Minister

KABUL (Pajhwok): Senior security officials are visiting restive districts of southern Kandahar province, where fighting has intensified in recent months.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on the security forces in Arghandab, Zherai, Dand and Panjwai districts, driving many families from their homes.

On Sunday, Interior Minister Massoud Andarabi claimed the elements posing a threat security in the province had been eliminated.

Hundreds of Taliban fighters, including some commanders, had been killed during operations in Arghandab over the last fortnight, the minister said.

More than 650 insurgents, according to Andarabi, have been killed in the operation to retake parts of Arghandab district.

Andarabi accused the Taliban of breaching their commitments to reducing violence. The minister also blasted the rebel group of continuing to maintain ties with international terrorists.

Foreign insurgents were fighting alongside the Taliban against government forces in Kandahar, the minister alleged, without elaborating.

Deputy Minister of Defence Shah Mahmoud Miakhil said the security forces had thwarted Taliban’s designs to capture Kandahar and Helmand provinces.

As a result of successful operations, he asserted, many areas had been retaken and cleared of Taliban by the security and defense forces.

Due to the fighting, the number of displaced families in Kandahar has gone past 11,500 families, reckon provincial officials.

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