Besieged soldiers in Ghormach forced to eat stale food

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): A number of Afghan forces besieged by Taliban militants in Ghormach district of northwestern Faryab province said they were eating spoiled and leftover food as they had no access to edible items.

The besieged soldiers, in a telephone contact with Pajhwok Afghan News, hit out at the government and security officials for their unconcern, but vowed fight until their death.

Yousuf, one of the soldiers, complained about the absence of food and ammunition, saying they had to be content with eating stale food to stay alive and fight against the rebels.

“Even if we eat dust, we will not surrender. If we are killed, our seniors will be held accountable in the hereafter. Our officials are living in joys because of our sacrifices. But they never think about us,” he commented.

A number of other soldiers, speaking in choked voices, questioned the government's inattention and plans. They also promised fighting until the last drop of their blood.

Meanwhile, a number of Faryab residents also expressed concern over the siege of Afghan forces in Ghormach and criticised leaders of the national unity government for their negligence.

Syed Habibullah, a resident of Maimana, the capital of Faryab, blamed soldier fatalities and losses on negligence by government leaders and security officials. He claimed security forces did not receive food and ammunition in time.

“Ghormach district was temporarily added as an organisational unit to Faryab province about 10 years ago. We have since lost hundreds of soldiers and tanks,” he remarked.

But Gen. Adam Khan Mutmaen, commander of the 209^th Shahin Military Corps, said they had prepared a huge plan to eliminate the insurgents in the province.

“We would soon launch a ground-and-air operation to defeat militants and equip our forces. People will witness a major change in the near future,” the commander said.

The Ghormach district centre fell to the militants about a month ago when hundreds of security forces were surrounded. But no action has been taken yet to break the siege.

mds/mud