SHIBERGHAN - First Vice-President Gen. Abdur Rashid Dostum, who recently traveled to northwestern Faryab province to clear Ghormach district of Taliban, said his next target was to eliminate rebels from northern Kunduz province.
Ghormach district of Faryab was captured by Taliban two days ago. Gen. Dostum, addressing a meeting of governors, police chiefs and security bosses in the northern region in Faryab, said: “I’m here to question security forces who deserted their posts without resistance in Ghormach.”
After investigations, punishments and rewards would be given to security units and the officials concerned would be questioned about their performance, he said. Violators of the law or those committing dereliction of duty would be taken to task, the VP warned.
“When a person wears a military uniform, he/she should not fear death, because the uniform they wear is for defending the honour of the country. I have cleared Faryab province of militants many times, although I have no responsibility to conduct military operations,” he remarked.
“After clearing Ghormach, I would soon go to Kunduz province and would not return to Kabul until I eliminate all the militants there,” Dostum pledged.
Clad in military uniform, the Uzbek leader said he would also purge the Kunduz-Baghlan highway of insurgents to let commute safely round the clock. “I will ensure security of Kunduz residents before going back to Kabul,” he reiterated.
“In future, I would regularly monitor activities of prosecutors, police chiefs and deputy police chiefs who enjoy many privileges. I don’t want these people to bring me a bad reputation.” Dostum said.
With around 3,000 security forces under his leadership in Ghormach, he said civilian lives and assets should be protected during the operation and the criminals should be treated based on the law. (Pajhwok)