BADGHES (SW) – The Taliban have overran 16 security check posts in Bala Murghab district of Badghes province along the border with Turkmenistan, an official confirmed on Saturday.
Fareed Akhizi, member of the provincial council, told Salam Watandar that with the intensification of fighting, up to 50 security forces surrendered to the Taliban and at least 100 more fled to the border with Turkmenistan. He said the district center is surrounded by the Taliban rebels. He added the Special Forces have reached, but the nature of conflict here has not changed.
Bahauddin Qudsi, another member of the provincial council, said the border guards of Turkmenistan did not allow the fleeing Afghan forces to cross-over, and they might hand them over to the Taliban. He claimed efforts are underway through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help allow these security forces temporarily cross over to Turkmenistan.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the provincial governor, Jamshed Shahabi, has rejected these reports. He claimed only 60 security forces from 16 check posts have vacated their positions. He asserted the Taliban are using civilians’ homes as shelter that has resulted in the slow pace of security operation here.
The head of security at the police headquarters, Sher Aqa Alakozay, said in this connection that additional troops have been sent to the war front, and situation has improved. Rejecting reports about surrendering of security forces, he said two companies of the border guards have gone close to the border with Turkmenistan.
The Afghan National Army’s 207 – Zafar Corps, has issued a statement claiming some 51 Taliban insurgents are killed and their arms confiscated. The Taliban, however, claimed via a statement they have forced up to 200 forces to flee and arrested 30 security forces.
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