Those using Taliban as a tool are barrier to peace, says Stanekzai

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: Senators in the Meshrano Jirga, the Upper House of Parliament, summoned heads of security agencies over a sharp spike in militants attacks in parts of the country which according to reports have left casualties among civilians as well as security force members.

The lawmakers said militants have infiltrated big cities where they conduct attacks against security force members and sometimes civilian targets.

“Civil servants, religious scholars, Jihadi leaders and the investors are being kidnapped and killed and they face problems all the time,” said Hashim Alokozai a Senator.

“Their suicide groups and even their guerrilla groups infiltrate in the heart of the cities, including Kabul,” said Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, Deputy Speaker of the House.

Addressing the lawmakers, the head of the National Directorate of Security, Mohammad Masoom Stanekzai said the key hurdle to Afghan peace are those elements which are using the Taliban as a tool for prolonging the war in Afghanistan.

“The barrier for peace is the interests of those countries which do not want stability in Afghanistan,” Stanekzai added.

Acting Interior Minister Massoud Andarabi said the Taliban has suffered heavy casualties in recent months as the Afghan forces have brought tactical changes in their military doctrine.

“There are a number of individuals who are roaming in the city with illegal guns or with using police uniform and disturb the city or conduct armed robbery,” he said.

“A check post with 10 personnel will face casualties when it is attacked by 30 or 40 people. This affects morale and it does not have a justification from a military point of view,” Deputy Defense Minister Yasin Zia said.

This comes a month after the Taliban announced their annual spring offensive amid the efforts by the Afghan and US governments to find a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan.(TOLOnews)