Kabul: This week has witnessed death of 100 Afghan civilians and 12 beheaded people in eastern Afghanistan as violence worsens with the withdrawal of US led troops in Taliban offensive, officials said today. People are under fear of the Talibans taking control of their land.
Taliban forces have advanced into several provinces and taken advantage of a political deadlock in Kabul over disputed presidential election outcome. Of late attacks have been centralized on Ajristan district in Ghazni.
“The militants beheaded 12 civilians in four villages,” Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, deputy governor of Ghazni, told an international news agency. “We do not have a precise figure, but we estimate 80 to 100 people were killed over the past one week.
“Heavy fighting has involved hundreds of Taliban against the security forces. At the moment, the condition is very critical in this district. We have been informed by the central government that they have sent reinforcements.”
Ahmadi said Ajristan was at severe risk of falling into Taliban control, adding that 60 to 70 homes had been burnt down and that communication with security forces in the district was scarce. Asadullah Ensafi, deputy police chief of Ghazni, confirmed details of violence and said fierce fighting was ongoing.
No one from the Interior ministry in Kabul was available for comment.
Afghan security forces have been trained to stand up to forces like the Taliban by the US – led NATO coalition. All NATO combat operations will finish by the end of this year, with about 12,000 troops staying on into next year on a follow-up training and support mission.
The election deadlock since June was finally broken on Sunday when a “unity government” deal was agreed, with Ashraf Ghani serving as the next president and his rival Abdullah Abdullah taking up the new role of chief executive.
