![In this undated photo, Afghan forces are seen during a military operation in an undisclosed location in northern Afghanistan. [209th Shaheen Corps]](/cnmi_st/images/2020/04/17/23598-jawzjan-739_416.webp)
KUNDUZ -- Afghan forces in a joint operation on April 9 liberated Khamab District of Jawzjan Province from the Taliban, who had captured the area in 2018.
Clearing operations are still under way because inclement weather slowed their progress, said Abdul Marouf Azar, a spokesman for the Jawzjan governor, adding that door-to-door searches are proceeding as Taliban fighters have taken refuge in a number of local residents' houses.
The operations have left 31 Taliban fighters dead, including Mullah Abdul Rahim, also known as Chopan, and another 24 wounded, Azar said on April 13 (Monday).
In the latest fighting, Afghan forces repelled a Taliban attack Thursday (April 16) in Khamab District, killing at least seven militants and wounding four others, the 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan National Army said in a statement.
Because of their fear of the Taliban, more than 100 families moved from Khamab District to Qarqin District, neighbouring villages and Sheberghan, the provincial capital, said Azar.
A town called Muhajerin has been established in Sheberghan where war-affected families may settle briefly, he added.
"Now, residents displaced by war from Muradian, Darzab, Khamab, Qush Tepa and Mangjik districts live in this town," added Azar. "They will return to their homes once security becomes normal in their area."
Taliban extortion
The Taliban established a type of taxation system in Khamab District, said Rozi Murad, a local resident.
"The Taliban forced businesspeople, tradesmen, farmers, carpet sellers and fishermen to give them ushr and zakat," said Murad.
Civilians had no option option other than giving money to the Taliban, he said.
"A house where four married men lived [with their wives] each had to give 500-1,000 AFN ($6.50-$13) a month to the Taliban," said Haji Hafizullah, an elder from Khamab District who has moved with his family to Sheberghan, the provincial capital.
"The Taliban forced the businesspeople and shopkeepers who owned land in this district to pay them a monthly tax; otherwise, their land would be confiscated," he said.
Hafizullah said that he is preparing to return to his district now that Afghan security forces have regained control.
Rehabilitation
Development and rehabilitation activities stalled in the district when the Taliban were in control, said Babur Ishchi, chairman of the Jawzjan provincial council.
"During the Taliban's rule, the public had poor access to electricity, [health] clinics, roads, bridges, culverts and other facilities," said Ishchi.
Ishchi called on the government to provide essential services to Khamab District following its recapture from the Taliban.
Rehabilitation and development activities will resume after troops have cleared all insecure areas of Khamab District of the Taliban, said Abdul Qader Malia, acting governor of Jawzjan Province.
"Clearing operations are under way in the villages and along the route to Khamab District, and the remaining areas will soon be cleared," he added.
"Although some [rehabilitation] work, which isn't enough, has been delivered in the district, we have started to cater to residents' needs," he said.
"Once the cleaning and search operations end in the villages of Khamab District, we will establish new checkpoints to prevent the resurgence of the rebels," said Mohammad Hanif Rezayee, a spokesman for the 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan National Army.
Afghan National Defense and Security Forces represent the will of Afghans. They really showed that they are fearless and heroes and they can destroy enemies of this land. I wish these forces more successes from almighty Allah.
Reply5 Comment
Khamab District of Jawzjan province is one of the strategic and important districts that was under the control of the Taliban for several years. Recapturing of the district will weaken the Taliban in Jawzjan province. We urge the government to drive Taliban out of other areas of the province so that Jawzjan province becomes secured and constructional and developmental works begin in the province.
Reply5 Comment
Long live the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, which have always stood against the enemies and defeated them. They are the real heroes of the country because they are fighting to protect the country's territory as well as the national dignity, and they lose their lives in this way.
Reply5 Comment
We believe in our defense and security forces. They can defeat terrorist groups in Afghanistan if they are supplied well. The achievements of the Afghan security forces in the past one year are commendable. They recaptured several districts that had been held by Taliban for several years. All the soldiers and officers who were involved in recapturing of the country's districts from Taliban should be granted special promotions and cash bonuses in order that these forces get encouraged to recapture more areas from the enemy.
Reply5 Comment
Afghan National Army soldiers are the heroes of the Afghan history. They are the pride of our country; as they always hold up the flag of the victory and fight against the terrorists and the savage Taliban who have killed thousands of our compatriots, including the youths and innocent civilians. As long as these honest Afghans are alive, they will not forgive these savage mercenaries of Pakistan.
Reply5 Comment