Government's writ extended to 95% of Afghanistan: Saleh

Ahmad Khalid Moeed - Mar 3, 2008 - 12:03

KABUL (PAN): The intelligence department head considered eight districts in various provinces paralyzed and said that Taliban were moving in those districts in group.

Amrullah Saleh, told a press conference on Monday that Khak-i-Afghan district of Zabul province, Gizab of Daikundi, Disho, Khanshin, Bughran, and Washer of Helmand, Manawal and Dawaba of Nuristan province were the districts where governance is paralyzed.

He added that no group had captivity on these districts, but Taliban can freely move there.

Amrullah also considered the recent remarks of CIA head as base less.

Michaal Mekonil, head of CIA, recently told the US senate that Karzai government has control only on 30 per cent of the country.

He added that 10 per cent was under control of Taliban and 60 per cent was controlled by local power holders and tribal elders.

However Amrullah said that 95 per cent of land was under control of Afghan government and only 2 per cent population was not controlled by Afghan government.

Amrullah reminded that 18 per cent of people live in areas where the security is not safe, but the government controls it.

According to Amrullah, during last 12 months the districts of Mai nashin and Ghorak of Kandahar, Jani khil and Mangal of Paktia, Giro, Rashidan and Arjistan of Ghazni, Gomal, Yahya khil, Dila of Paktika, Bala murghab of Badghis, Kajran of Daikundi were among the districts which were recaptured by government and currently administrations are active in these districts.

He said seven people involved in Baghlan bloody suicide attack has been identified and five of those have been arrested.

On November 7, 2007 a blast killed over 90 school children including six MPs.

Amrullah said Mula Salih Muhammad, an official of Taliban intelligence and Mir Hairder master minded Baghlan attack, but they have not been arrested yet.

He informed reporters that Musa Kalim and Dil Muhammad who were involved in Kandahar recent suicide attack have been arrested.

He said the two people had prepared explosive vests and helped suicide attackers to cross border from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

Amrullah said all suicide attacks are conducted by Muhammad Arif in Kandahar city

He said the recent suicide attacks launched in Kandahar which were aimed to kill Commander Abdul Hakim, one of the government supporters in Kandahar province was also conducted by Muhammad Arif.

Amrullah added that Qahir who kept the suicide attacker of Kabul Serena at his house was also arrested.

Amrullah Salih, said according to a survey during last five month 27 abductions have taken place in Kabul and 101 in the country

The survey showed that most abductions were in Farah, Helmand and Herat provinces and were on criminal basis.

Via Pajhwok.

Comment:

Saleh is not exactly an unbiased observer, but this is still the most detailed account of who controls what in Afghanistan I've come across.