Hayatullah Hayat, the governor of Helmand, on Sunday said that the Pakistani military and Iran are behind the war in the southern province
 
One of the reasons for the prolonged war in Helmand is because of military interference by the Pakistani and Iranian military, said Hayat, adding these two countries are involved in mobilizing insurgents in Helmand.
 
Hayat made the remarks during a press conference on Sunday and said government has ordered an investigation to determine the presence of foreigners in the Helmand conflict.
 
“There is some information which indicates that some Iranians and Pakistanis have visited the warfronts and met with the Taliban commanders in Garmsir district and provided necessary advice to the Taliban,” said Hayat.
 
In addition, Helmand provincial council said the insurgents are not capable of waging a long war in Helmand without foreign backers.
 
“Afghan forces are conducting only air attacks, there is a need for ground operations in Helmand so that the area is secured,” said Attaullah Afghan, a member of Helmand provincial council.
 
According to Hayat, Pakistan and Iran over the past few months, have increased their support to insurgents.
 
Also in the past, the Afghan government blamed the Pakistani and Iranian governments for backing insurgents in Afghanistan.
 
Iran and Russia have confirmed their contacts with the Taliban.
 
TOLOnews reporter made several attempts to contact the Iranian and Pakistani embassies in Kabul but was unable to get comments.