Nuristan Governor Urges Operation against Insurgents

The governor of eastern Nuristan province on Saturday called on the Afghan government to launch military operations to clear all insurgents in Kunar and Nuristan provinces.

The governor of Nuristan, Tamim Nuristani, said he has been able to maintain security in some areas in cooperation with local councils, but some militant groups still threaten government workers travelling between Kunar and Nuristan.

"Not only the Taliban militants, but also militants from Hezb-e-Islami and some other groups are behind insecurity in the area," Mr Tamim Nuristani said.

Meanwhile, civilians have also complained about security threat on the Nuristan-Kunar routes.

"There are groups who stop passengers and beat them," a Nuristan resident said. Kamdish, Barg-e-Matal, and Waigal districts are areas that are said to have been under Taliban control over the past eight months, but the governor of Nuristan says he is making efforts to get local councils' cooperation to retake the areas.

Insurgents have frequently attacked some districts of Nuristan province mainly targeting police check points.

The limited number of Afghan security forces in the province is the main reason behind insecurity in many districts, the governor added.