LASHKARGAH (SW) – The raging violence and clashes between the security forces and Taliban have devastated the Marja district of Helmand province.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, residents of this remote and restive district said they are in dire need of aid and support. They said only the district center remains in government control following surge in militancy here some three years ago.
The fighting has destroyed homes, markets and health and education centers, they said. The residents demanded the government to take immediate and effective steps towards rehabilitation and reconstruction here.
This comes over a week after the security forces launched a clean-up operation here against the insurgents. Hukum Khan, commander of the first battalion of the 215-Thunder Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA), said that 27 Taliban have been killed and seven others wounded in the operation so far. He vowed the operation would continue until the area is completely cleared of the rebels.
ENDS
