Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

5,000 Mines Defused in Maiwand District: Officials

5,000 Mines  Defused in Maiwand District: Officials

KANDAHAR - More than 5,000 mines planted by insurgents in various areas of Maiwand district in southern Kandahar province have been defused by the police, officials said Sunday.

Jan Agha, the district police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News insurgents were more active in this district comparatively.

He said a major challenge to the lives of civilians and security forces were land mines and roadside bombs that were indiscriminately planted by rebels in civilian areas.

“Before, the explosives used to be brought from the other side of the border but now they are being made here. For example, making an anti-armored bomb jut costs 1,000 afs to 1,200 afs. But transferring explosives from Pakistan needed a lot of efforts so the militants started making them here with the help of their Pakistani counterparts,” he added.

Agha claimed seizing 3,000 mines in the last three months. The credit, he said, also went to the residents for cooperating with the police. He welcomed residents’ revolt against Taliban in more than ten villages of the district.

The locals complained of losing family members and relatives to these explosives and said it was not acceptable anymore.

Abdul Nafi, a resident of Mama Kariz locality, said apart from planting roadside bombs the insurgents also planted mines next to peoples’ houses.

Haji Noor Ahmad, a tribal elder, said rebels used them as human shields, which forced them to rise up against insurgents. (Pajhwok)