KUNDUZ CITY - The Afghan Local Police (ALP) personnel are unable to effectively deal with Taliban militants in northern Kunduz province due to lack of heavy weapons and other needed equipment, an official said on Thursday.
Karimullah, ALP commander in Kunduz, said that they lacked heavy weapons and it was impossible to fight off the rebels with AK-47s.
He said if ALP forces were provided heavy weapons, the Taliban would be unable to face the force. He said fighting the insurgency needed more equipment and the government should address their problems.
Some ALP personnel claimed the Taliban were equipped with heavy and light weapons. Shafaq, one of the ALP personnel, said they were ready to fight till the last drop of their blood but regretted they lacked heavy weapons.
Rabani Rabani, a member of the provincial council, said ALP fighters were effective in keeping Taliban at bay but they should be equipped with heavy weapons and their demands should met. He said ALP needed heavy weapons and talks had been held with top officials in this regard.
Police chief Mohammad Qasem Jangal Bagh admitted ALP lacked heavy weapons and the issue had been taken up with higher authorities. (Pajhwok)