SHEBERGHAN (SW): The Uzbekistani militants in Jawzjan province are forcing young boys to serve as suicide bombers for them.
A 12 years old would-be suicide bomber from Qosh Tapa district told Salam Watandar he was compelled by the militants to plant landmines on their behalf. He added the rebels gave him explosive devices to be planted in schools. The boy added Pakistani militants are also collaborating with these foreign extremists.
Locals in this district are worried for their children under these prevailing conditions.
Maarefat Sharifi, a local elder, said the Uzbekistani and Pakistani militants have launched a massive campaign to recruit child soldiers in their ranks. Haidar Ali, another local man, claimed the militants have recruited at least 300 child soldiers, and the drive continues. Sherdil Khan, another resident of the district, said the militants’ wives and children are residing in Chahar Banda and Shor Qadoq areas of the district while the rebels themselves are residing in Chaqma Chakoor area. He urged the government to launched intensive clean-up security operation here.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Raza Ghafori, spokesman for the governor, has said these militants are associated with the Uzbekistan Islamic Movement (UIM), and are busy training Taliban and pro-Daesh militants in Qosh Tapa district.
ENDS
