Tanks and rangers of the Security Forces in the hands of Taliban

KABUL (SW): Taliban have seized more than 70 Humvees and 150 ranger vehicles of Security Forces in the five northern and northeastern provinces in Afghanistan, according to the information gathered by Salam Watandar from military sources and from provincial councils.

The authorities in the provinces of Kunduz, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Faryab, and Jawzjan said that the presence of Humvee tanks in the hands of Taliban is extremely dangerous and if these vehicles are not destroyed, the Taliban will use them in suicide attacks similar to attacks in Paktia.

Kunduz Police Chief of Security, Mohammad Safar, told Salam Watandar that after the two rounds of the fall of Kunduz in the hands of Taliban, numerous military vehicles fell into the hands of this group, although many of these vehicles were destroyed by air strikes, still about 20 Humvees and 70 Ranger cars are possessed by Taliban.

However, Kunduz Police Chief of Security said two months ago, 6 Humvee tanks have been destroyed as a result of several air strikes on Taliban compounds.

Hamdullah Danishi, who led the province during the first fall of Kunduz into the hands of Taliban, said that Taliban had seized 40 Humvees at that time only.

Mohammad Nabi Bayan, Badakhshan Police Chief of Security, said that there are 7 Humvee tanks and 13 Ranger cars with Taliban in this province. However, provincial council member, Abdullah Naji Nazari, said that in the fighting in the past few years, Taliban have seized more than 17 Humvee tanks and 14 Ranger cars from the security forces.

Amir Gul Hussainkhil, Baghlan Police Chief of Security, confirmed the presence of Humvee tanks and Ranger cars of security forces in the hands of Taliban but said that the precise numbers of vehicles are unknown. Nonetheless, Mohammad Zarif Zarif, member of provincial council, said about 12 Humvees and 30 Ranger cars are in the hands of Taliban in this province.

Dilawar Shah Dilawar, Faryab Police Chief, said that more than 20 Humvee tanks and 19 Ranger cars of security forces are in the hands of Taliban in this province. However, provincial council member Abdul Ahad Ilig said the Taliban have approximately 30 Ranger cars with them.

Jawzjan security officials also said that the Taliban had two Humvee tanks in this province, from which one Humvee tank was recaptured and another tank was destroyed as a result of the air strikes on Taliban compound, however, the Taliban still have 6 Ranger cars with them.

Based on the information, no vehicles have been seized by Taliban in the provinces of Samangan, Mazar, and Takhar.

According to the information on hand, the United States of America purchased each Humvee tanks for $220,000 for the security forces.

Recently, US has signed a contract with General Motors (GM) for the purchase of 1653 Humvees at a cost of $356 million, and the delivery of these vehicles to the Afghan government is expected soon.

ENDS