KABUL – The fall of key northern district Arghanj Khwa to the Taliban hasbeen confirmed by the Afghanistan government. With this the 10 districts ofthe entire northern province lay at mercy of Afghan Taliban.
The district reportedly fell to the Taliban on Saturday morning but theMinistry of Interior Affairs’ spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said it as plannedretreatment to prevent casualties.
“The area was vulnerable and the security forces had temporarily pulled outfrom there to prevent more causalities,” said Rahimi.
Arghanj Khwa is located in the vicinity of Faizabad city, the provincialcapital, and is a connecting point between the center of the province and10 other districts.
“The district has fallen to the Taliban due to the ‘negligence’ of thecentral and provincial government,” said a resident of Badakhshan.
“Government should respond to the people. People are ready to ensure theirsecurity if government cannot shoulder this responsibility. How much moreshould we be subjected to killings?” a Badakhshan resident asked.
Local officials confirmed that Taliban militants have taken the control ofthe district and have killed at least 10 security force members.
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Mirza Mohammad Yarmand, former Deputy Minister of Interior, said thedistrict has a strategic location as it connects Faizabad, the capital cityof Badakhshan, with other parts of the province.
“The district is evacuated. Security forces are fighting in surroundingareas. Around 15 people have been killed,” Yarmand said.
Arghanj Khwa is the first district of Badakhshan fallen to the Taliban in2019. However, in 2018, three districts of the province – Kohistan, Wardujand Yumgan – had fallen to the Taliban.
Taliban in a statement claimed that they took control of the district andkilled 13 security force members, including two police chiefs.
