.JPG)
KABUL (SW) – Hundreds of locals in Nangarahr province staged a protest demonstration against the alleged killing of civilians in an operation by the security forces.
Locals claim 14 civilians, including a minor boy and elderly men, were killed by the 02-Unit of the NDS forces in the Rodat district last night. The demonstrators staged a protest demonstration along with the dead bodies of the civilians on the Jalalabad – Torkham highway.
Among the protesters, Faruqullah, Habib Khan and Abdul Jabbar, told Salam Watandar the victims included minors, young and elderly men belonging to three families in the district. Two women got wounded, they said, adding the victims of this operation had no ties to the militants.
A credible source informed SW the security forces killed five men in one home, two men in a second home and six men and a child in the third home.
Confirming casualties in the operation, Attaullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor, stressed investigations are underway to determine details. Mujtaba Qais, director security, has confirmed the killing of 11 people in this incident.
Meanwhile, Mawlavi Habibullah, director for Haj and Religious Affairs, and head of the fact-finding commission, has pronounced the victims as civilians with no ties to the militants. He said such operations are aimed at defaming the government.
Five people were killed in a similar operation by the same 02-Unit of the NDS in Sur Rod district earlier this week. According to official figures, more than 23 people have been killed in different security operation during the past three days.
ENDS
