KABUL: (Middle East Press) At least 65 Afghan security forces have reportedly surrendered and joint to the Taliban militants’ ranks in southern Helmand province along with their weapons and equipment on Friday, local officials said.
“Around 65 Afghan security forces including three commanders have surrendered in Sangin district,” and that the situation is under control in the district.” Said Mirza Rahimi, the provincial governor.
Rahimi added that an investigation has been initiated to find out why these soldiers went to Taliban.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement that five commanders and 65 army soldiers “repented their mistakes and surrendered to Mujahideen”.
Police and soldiers have been engaged in near-continuous combat with insurgents for the past three weeks in the districts of Lashkar Gah, Marjah and Nadali in Helmand, one of the Islamist movement’s traditional strongholds.
Although they have so far repelled Taliban efforts to take the provincial capital Lashkar Gah, they have not been able to push back the insurgents decisively from areas around the city, according to reports.
Rahimi noted at least 85 Afghan security forces and three civilians were also killed in days of clashes in Helmand province.
