Security Forces Trying to Recapture Qala-e-Zal District

Afghan security forces have positioned themselves a few kms away from the Qala-e-Zal district of Kunduz and are preparing for an operation to recapture the district from Taleban insurgents. The district fell to the Taleban 10 days ago for the second time. Mahbobullah Sayeed, district governor of Qala-e-Zal, said that lack of security personnel was the reason behind the collapse of the district. He added that Taleban insurgents destroyed areas around the district building but were not allowed to destroy the district headquarters building and the machine they were using was crippled in an air strike. Brigadier General Abdul Hamid Hamidi, chief of Kunduz police, said that a planned operation is underway for recapturing the district. He said, “We are trying to recapture the district.” Meanwhile Brigadier Naeem, deputy commander of border security forces in Kunduz, said that the retreat of security forces from the district was tactical, saying that security forces are currently stationed 100 metres of the district centre. He added that both sides sustained heavy casualties but did not provide figures.