Afghanistan
Afghanistan: Civilians now take up arms to resist Taliban
Kabul/UNI: Hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan have taken up arms against the Taliban and in support of the government forces.
Residents of Herat, Patkia, Ghor and Kunduz provinces are now up with arms to save their villages from the Taliban, who they claim would damage the country’s infrastructure.
A report by Tolonews claims that till now hundreds of people have taken up arms against the Taliban in Nangarhar, Laghman, Jawzjan, Takhar, Balkh, Badghis, Baghlan, Samangan and Kapisa provinces.
The development took in just a week following the back-to-back fall of dozens of districts to the group, said the report.
Media sources have confirmed that since Saturday evening, five districts fell to the Taliban – including Sayed Abad and Chak-e-Wardak in Maidan Wardak, Rustaq in Takhar, Arghistan in Kandahar and Shortepa in Balkh.
During the same period, government forces have had some progress but have not reported recapturing any district.
“Paktia residents pledge to the government and the security agencies that we are with you,” said Abdul Mallik Zazai, head of the provincial council in Paktia.
Residents of Enjil district in Herat who have taken up arms warned the Taliban to quit violence or they will face resistance from people.
“We pledge to the people that we will defend the country until the last drop of our blood,” Farid Ahmad, a public uprising force member said.
In Kunduz and Ghor also people say they have been left with no option but to take up arms to fight the Taliban.
“We prevented the enemy from advancing. And we are supporting the government,” said Khalid, a Kunduz resident who has taken up arms.
Many Afghan politicians have emphasised the need to arm the people given the current situation and they welcome this move. Though concerns have been raised about its consequences if the forces are not managed well.
“Those who lead these forces should be responsible so that when the fighting is over they will not create any problems for Afghanistan,” said Asadullah Saadati, the deputy head of the High Council for National Reconciliation.
The Taliban has warned that those who have taken up arms will not be forgiven.
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