Security

Vehicle scanners at Kabul entrances bring renewed sense of security

By Ziar

Afghan workers sit on consumer goods in the back of a truck in Kabul. Recently installed vehicle scanners at three entrances into the capital have given residents a sense of improved security. [Adek Berry/AFP]

Afghan workers sit on consumer goods in the back of a truck in Kabul. Recently installed vehicle scanners at three entrances into the capital have given residents a sense of improved security. [Adek Berry/AFP]

KABUL -- Recently installed vehicle scanners at three major entrances to Kabul have given the city a renewed sense of security after a series of terrorist attacks over the past few months, officials say.

Authorities earlier this month installed scanners for trucks and other vehicles at the Puli-e-Charkhi, Sang-e-Nabishta and Arghandi gates.

"Three of the Kabul entrances, all entrances except for the northern entrance, have been equipped with these scanners, and they became operational on Monday [August 7]," Najib Danish, an Interior Ministry spokesman, told Salaam Times.

"Installation of the scanner at Kabul's northern entrance [Sar-e-Kotal] will begin very soon," he said.

Kabul police plan to install additional scanners at the Dast Pechari, Gul Bagh, Bot Khak and Tangi Tarakhil gates.

Militant groups will no longer be able to "transport explosives, light and heavy weapons, and illicit drugs into Kabul," Danish said.

Police already scan almost 1,000 trucks daily at Arghandi, which connects the capital to four provinces.

Discussing the new scanners and other security measures, Shah Hussain Murtazawi, a spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, told Salaam Times the Afghan government "is committed to provide the people with peace".

Improved security

The scanners will bring about a positive change in Kabul's security situation, say security analysts.

"This is a new chapter," said Atiqullah Amarkhil, a retired Afghan army general and current security analyst.

"We should be optimistic because the insurgents will no longer be able to bring explosives, mines, bombs and other destructive devices into the city," he told Salaam Times.

Amarkhil warned, however, of the need for transparency in vehicle inspections.

"Those employees who deal with such equipment should not be corrupt and should ... work with honesty and sincerity," he said.

"This is such good news," Gen. Nazifa Zaki, a member of the lower chamber of parliament, told Salaam Times.

Zaki said she hopes authorities will install such devices in all major cities, such as Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad.

Burhan Hashemi, 26, a resident of Kabul, praised the government's progress in securing the city.

"The launch of these devices will increase hopes for a more prosperous life in Kabul," he told Salaam Times.

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