TARINKOT (SW): Security officials in Uruzgan province claimed to have tangible evidence indicating Russian support for the Taliban militants in the province.
Ghulam Farooq, police chief of the province, told Salam Watandar on Wednesday 11 Russian nationals including two women disguised as doctors have been seen with the militants. He said four militants were guarding the group. He added high-ranking Afghan officials and the U.S. command in Uruzgan have been informed about this matter.
The police chief claimed support of the Russians to the Taliban is an open secret. Ghulam Farooq charged the Russians are helping the militants recruit, train and plant landmines.
These reports have caused concerns among the local community. Anosha, a civil society activist in the province, fears if true, this phenomenon can engulf neighboring provinces Kandahar, Zabul, Daikundi, and Helmand as well.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has discarded these ‘rumors’. Dost Mohammad Nayab, spokesman for the provincial governor, has said there is no concrete evidence to back claims about the Russians' presence.
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