LASHKARGAH (SW) – Intense deadly clashes between the government forces and the Taliban insurgents in Helmand have driven thousands of locals out of their homes.
The Taliban attacked Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, and several other areas three days ago, capturing the fourth security district and several security checkpoints. The Taliban’s attack on Helmand has so far displaced 4500 families from Babaji area of Lashkar Gah’s fourth security district, Bolan area of the third security district, Nad Ali district and many other areas, officials confirmed.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, members of some of the displaced families say they are in dire straits.
According to them, most families have only managed to escape the violence carrying nothing with them except their selves and their children.
These internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Helmand called for an immediate end to the fighting so that they can return to their normal lives.
Sayed Mohammad Ramin, Helmand’s director of refugee and returnee affairs, said mobile teams were in the affected area to register families for assistance. He said international aid agencies have promised to help the displaced families.
Meanwhile, Helmand police chief Khalil-ur-Rehman Jawad said security forces have launched air and ground operations in Nad Ali district, Babaji area of Lashkar Gah and on the main highway to prevent fighting from spreading and recapture lost areas.
He added the security forces have retreated in some areas to protect civilians, but would retake them later.
Except for the state-run Salaam mobile phone network, all private telecommunication networks have ceased operations here.
Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand’s governor, said five new checkpoints have been set up in the Nad Ali district and four on the main highway in Lashkar Gah to ensure peace and order.
According to him, 23 Taliban insurgents were killed and 6 others wounded during air and ground operations in Nad Ali, Sangin and Babaji areas.
The Taliban have not yet commented on the latest situation in Helmand.
ENDS
