Dostum warns against more inattention to north security

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: After a long appearance to the public, the First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum warned against more “inattention” to the security of the northern Afghanistan and said he will make a final decision on the issue if it was not addressed.

Addressing his supporters in northern Jawzjan province, Dostum said the Taliban has movements in Maimana city of Faryab, Jawzjan and Balkh provinces, which according to him, was not evident in the past. 

“I will share this issue with President (Ashraf) Ghani,” Dostum said. “We will make a decision if he (President Ghani) did not listen.”

Dostum said the commander of the Afghan Army’s 209 Shaheen Corps in Balkh “does not have the capability to overcome security challenges”.

“Such people do not deserve to be a general. I would have punished such individuals if I am given the authority. Which kind of general is he that his 200 soldiers were killed in Qaisar (a district in Faryab)?” Dostum asked.

In reaction to Dostum’s remarks, Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, Commander Shaheen Corps, said they have prevented militants’ attacks and districts from falling to militants.

Dostum’s remarks come as the Taliban has increased its attacks as part of the group’s newly-announced spring offensive.

The issue of increasing insecurity in different parts of the country was raised by lawmakers in the Meshrano Jirga, the Upper House of Parliament, on Tuesday as they called for summoning security heads to the house.

“I agree with the suggestion of senators. If you agree, we will summon all the three heads of security agencies this week and will ask them about their plans (for improvement of security),” said the Meshrano Jirga Speaker FazlHadiMuslimyar said. 

Mohammad AlamEzedyar, a lawmaker, meanwhile, called on President Ghani to review his decision on the release of Taliban prisoners.

“We hope that President (Ashraf) Ghani reviews his decision on freeing 176 Taliban prisons. It means that we release 176 suicide bombers and they will come back and will kill the people of Afghanistan,” said Ezedyar.

The remarks come after the Taliban rejected the grand council’s call for a ceasefire during Ramadhan.(TOLOnews)