KABUL (SW): A new armed group commonly known as ‘Songaryan’ (Lancers) disguised as militants has emerged in Helmand province that is believed to be challenging the Taliban on their turf in their way.
Abdul Jabar Qaharman, Operational Commander for the security forces in Helmand, told Salam Watandar the group is actually working under the command of the National Directorate of Security (NDS). Qaharman said he proposed formation of this group to the President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani a year ago, and this idea has been implemented in Helmand.
A similar group of armed individuals in a popular Turkish crime serial is quite popular in Afghanistan. The ‘Songaryan’ of Helmand also have the backing of the government just like the group in the Turkish serial.
Qaharman said the Taliban are afraid of this group, and that is why they have launched a negative propaganda about the ‘Songaryan’ among the masses. He claimed the group has been instrumental in countering the Taliban in Helmand. The Operational Commander of the security forces in Helmand stressed that the public can lodge their complaints about this group to the NDS regional office.
A number of analysts have hailed the formation of this group. Kabul Khan Tadbeer, an analyst on security affairs, told Salam Watandar such groups have proved quite useful in a number of countries where insurgency was a challenge for the security forces. Tadbeer underlined the need for proper management of such groups.
ENDS
