Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum on Thursday called on Afghan political leaders to sideline their personal interests and unite for the defense of the country.

Dostum said that the current crisis gripping the country is a major conspiracy, and that political leaders of the country will thwart all of the conspiracies of the enemies.

“This conspiracy is not a small conspiracy, we can’t stop it through symbolic and small efforts, we need to make a major decision together with our political friends and our generals,” said Dostum.

“We met with the military elders and the youth, there is war in Kandahar and the situation remains complex, we will talk about this issue to see what we can do—we need to encourage everyone and provide them with the morale to resist against the enemies and the slaves,” said Tadin Khan, the former police chief of Kandahar.

Dostum also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF).

“The people want commitment from us, and we have given our commitment to the people--we will deliver on our commitments and will not leave the people alone. Today we are here to defend and to prove to history that we do not deceive the people,” said Dostum.

Meanwhile, Tadin Khan, the former police chief of Kandahar pledged that he will use all his leverage to change the current security situation in Kandahar province.

Tribal elders from Kandahar province met with former president Hamid Karzai and they pledged to work together to address the current crisis in the southern province.
 
“Soon he will meet elders from other provinces to help promote the voice of unity in the provinces,” said Shahzada Massoud, adviser to former President Hamid Karzai.

Dostum said that the Taliban has gathered their fighters in Jawzjan, Takhar, Herat, Helmand and Kandahar provinces and are looking to cause the fall of one of the provinces.

Dostum said that the Afghan people will not allow the Taliban to take over a province.