LASHKARGAH (SW): Deadly clashes in Helmand between the Taliban-backed Ishaqzay tribe, and the Alizay tribe have led to death of 30 people.
Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, informed Salam Watandar that the Taliban wished to distribute state land among members of the Ishaqzay tribe in Moosa Qala district, but the local Alizay tribe opposed this move, which sparked the clashes. He said 10 civilians and 20 Taliban fighters got killed and 40 other people got wounded in the fighting.
Some locals claim the Taliban are deliberately enticing violence among the local tribes. Samiullah and Syeda Khan, two elders in Moosa Qala, said the Taliban wished to distribute state land among their loyalists.
Ahmad Naveed Nazari, head of the Directorate of Tribal and Border Affairs, said the Ishaqzay and Alizay tribes have been living at peace, but the Taliban are now sowing the seeds of hatred among them. The main market in Moosa Qala has been closed for the past five days.
ENDS
