LASHKARGAH - NATO commander for eastern and central Asia, Gen. Walters, has said important decisions will be taken for strengthening security in southern Helmand province in line with local officials’ requests.
Gen. Walters arrived late on Saturday in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, and met local officials, including Governor Hayatullah Hayat.
“The conflict in Helmand has some important reasons --- its strategic location, drug trade, regional intelligence involvement and water and mines,” Hayat told the NATO commander.
The two sides discussed progress in the ongoing operations in Helmand, opportunities and problems, security organs’ structure and coordination among them and other issues.
The governor said the people were longing for peace and they cooperated well with security forces in this regard.
Hayat said Taliban’s key centers and resources should be targeted and urged NATO assistance in all the mentioned areas.
Brig. Gen. Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, who was present on the occasion, floated proposals regarding the ongoing operations in Helmand and sought NATO’s help.
Gen. Walters said the aim of his visit to Helmand was to assess the overall security situation and problems of the Afghan security forces.
He said the United States was committed to cooperating with the Afghan forces under the bilateral security agreement between the two countries.
He said decisions and measures would be taken about proposals of local officials in Helmand.
Hundreds of American soldiers have been stationed in Helmand providing air support and training to Afghan forces. (Pajhwok)