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QALA-I-NAW (SW): At least 12 men from the Afghan National Police (ANP) and the Afghan Local Police (ALP) have joined the Taliban in Baghlan and Badges provinces.
Provincial authorities in Badghis said 5 ANP men switched sides last night. Zahir Bahand, provincial governor’s spokesman, told Salam Watandar the policemen joined the Taliban in Bala Murghab district. According to the spokesman, the policemen were the residents of Bala Murghab. “We have started investigation into the matter”, informed Bahand.
Abdul Rauf Taj, provincial police chief, has also confirmed the incident. He said re-enforcement has been sent to fill the posts of the 5 deserted ANP men.
In another incident, 6 Afghan Local Police (ALP) men along with their commander have joined Taliban in Baghlan province.
Mohibullah Kohistani, district police chief for the central Baghlan, said the ALP commander and 6 of his men along with their equipment and vehicle went to join the Taliban Friday night. A security source, on conditions of anonymity, said the ALP men took with them a vehicle, 8 rifles, 2 machine guns and 1 RPG launcher.
Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, has also acknowledged the development.
ENDS
