Paktia devastated by targeted assassination spree

 

KABUL (SW) – At least 16 lives have been lost to targeted assassination spree in Paktia province in the past one week, said officials.

Although there have been no major attacks in Paktia for some time, but the insurgents appear to have shifted the focus of the fighting, with more reports of targeted killings.

Mohammad Rahman Qaderi, a member of Paktia’s provincial council, said the terrorists had killed about seven tribal elders, prosecutors and security personnel in the province. According to him, those killed were public figures and people of influence.

Unidentified gunmen killed Aziz-ur-Rehman, a second-year student at a technical institute in the Halim Qala area of ​​Gardez, and wounded his brother, Mohammad Tahir, in a series of targeted killings.

The victim’s brother, Yar Mohammad, told Salam Watandar that his brother had high hopes, but got killed before realizing his dreams. He added that his brother was a promising student and his family has associated high hopes with him.

Among those killed in this targeted assassination spree include tribal elders, prosecutors and common civilians, including Sardar Khan Malangzoi, a member of the provincial council.

Residents of Paktia say that the number of targeted killings has recently risen in districts other than the capital, Gardez, and must be stopped.

Paktia residents Sahil Mangal and Shazia said the increase in targeted killings has made their lives miserable and they are living in fear every moment. They also called on the government to act immediately and stop the ongoing assassinations.

Paktia provincial officials say they have increasing police patrols in Gardez for 24 hours to prevent targeted killings and are working on a plan for joint security coordination center.

Paktia Governor Mohammad Halim Fidai said the targeted killings showed the weakness and frustration of the Taliban on the battlefront.

Security officials in Paktia say the insurgents are incapable of direct confrontation and often attack the homes of security forces and influential figures, but the Taliban have neither commented nor condemned the incidents.

 

ENDS

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