LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Taliban militants have blocked the main road to the Kajaki district of southern Helmand for the last two months, creating problems for local residents.
Abdul Majid Akhundzada, a member of the provincial council, told Pajhwok Afghan News the security situation had worsened in the district.
He said the Taliban militants had blocked the main road for the last two months, making it problematic for local residents to shift their patients to hospital besides causing severe shortage of food items.
A 50kg bag of flour was sold for 6000 afghanis, Akhunzada said, adding that people taking flour bags home were administered oath by the Taliban not to give the bags to police.
The security situation remained deteriorated for the last few months and there had been clashes between security forces and militants, with civilians bearing the brunt, he added.
“Taliban have captured all areas and hundreds of foreign militants can be seen roaming the area, which has deteriorated the security situation.”
The district could fall to Taliban if a military operation was not launched forthwith, the public representative feared.
Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesperson, said security forces had launched efforts to improve the situation in the district.
He said security forces had planned an extensive military operation in the area and would be implemented soon, but stopped short of going into details.
The governor and several other officials had visited Kajaki district and had assured local residents of addressing their concerns about the security situation.
shah/ma