MoD rejects fall of district to Taliban

KABUL (Khaama Press): The Taliban took control of the center of Almar district in Faryab province at about 1 pm, according to local security sources. Local sources said that the central Almar district of Faryab province has fallen to the Taliban.

Provincial governor, Naqibullah Fayeq told media the Afghan security forces had a tactical retreat from the area to prevent civilian casualties. According to reports, 40 local security force members were surrounded by the Taliban but they managed to escape to a 4 Km away security base called Khwaja Osman.

The Taliban is said to have captured both the district governor’s office and the district police headquarters. Tahir Rahmani, a provincial council member also confirmed the news and said that eight Afghan defense forces were killed and eight others are injured following the clashes with the Taliban.

The head of the Faryab provincial council says security officials have not been able to prevent the fall of the district. Defense Ministry on the other hand denied the fall of the district to Taliban. MoDstated that the published news about the fall of the Almar district is incorrect instead ANDSF had conducted operations and cleared the majority of the area from Taliban influence.

According to Mod, the district is currently under the control of Afghan national defense and security forces. The reports emerged as Mohammad Amin Patang, acting district police chief joined the Taliban. Abdul Karim Yourish, a spokesman for the provincial chief told the media that Patang was appointed as the acting police chief for the area three months ago.

He was appointed as acting police chief of Almar three months ago, Yourish said. Patang joined the Taliban due to security forces were surrounded and were under the pressure of the Taliban sources told media So far, Taliban has not commented on the Almar district incidents.