Officials deny fall of Uruzgan’s Gizab district

TIRINKOT (Pajhwok): Some sources in central Uruzgan province claims that Taliban insurgents have captured Gizab district, but government officials deny the district’s collapse.

Abdullah, former administrative chief for Gizab, told Pajhwok Afghan News the last base of the Afghan National Army (ANA) was vacated in the morning, leaving the entire district to the Taliban.

“This morning, all ANA soldiers and the district chief fled to the Berai area of Daikundi province and left the entire district to the militants,” he added.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the Taliban had gained complete control of the troubled district.

Some media outlets also released videos and photos showing soldiers leaving the ANA base.

But Ahmad Shah Sahil, the governor’s spokesman, denied the fall of the district to Taliban, saying Gizab was still under security forces’ control.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed capturing the district. The group’s spokesman, Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said that 65 government forces, including district chief Mohammad Naeem, had surrendered to the militants.

sa/mud