16 members of Faryab uprising group join Taliban

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Sixteen members of a local uprising group, led by Gul Ahmad, have joined Taliban’s ranks in the Khwaja Sabzposh district of northwestern Faryab province, officials said on Wednesday.

Mansoor Azizi, police chief for the Maimana-Andkhoi highway, told Pajhwok Afghan News Ahmad had been appointed last year as commander of the group in Qazel Qeshlaq. He joined forces with the Taliban along with 15 members, who also surrendered 18 weapons.

Azizi warned if the government did not take immediate action to clear Qhezel Qeslaq village and other areas controlled by the militants, most government servants and members of the uprising would join the Taliban or escape to Iran.

Police spokesman Abdul Karim Yourish confirmed the development and said two police personnel were among those who had surrendered to the guerrillas.

Meanwhile, uprising commander Haji Hesamuddin strongly condemned the lack of government attention to the district, saying the group members were using their own resources against the Taliban.

He added when they suffered casualties, they needed help but the provincial administration did not respond to their phone calls. He commands 50 fighters who supported the government without any concessions.

sa/mud