Clashes Inch Closer to Outskirts of Charikar City North of Kabul

Clashes between government forces and the Taliban have reached the outskirts of Charikar City in the central province of Parwan – 63 kilometers north of Kabul – but troops on the ground have not received orders from the center to retake the collapsed areas from the militants.

The control of two districts in Parwan, Siah Gerd district and Shinwari, fell to the Taliban in the last few days.

TOLOnews reporter Khaled Nikzad, who visited the frontlines in the Dara-e-Ghorband area of Parwan, said public uprising forces have joined the security and defense forces to fight the Taliban.

“Taliban are now in the position to make advances and we will not allow them to make advances toward Charikar City,” said Hasibullah, a police officer in Parwan.

Some troops on the frontlines said they are fighting with less equipment than the militants facing them.

“All these mujahedeen that you see here are waiting for an order to fight against this evil group and save the people from them,” said Aziz Agha, member of public uprising forces.

“If you (Talibs) are killed you are from the Afghan nation, and if security forces are martyred they are also from this nation. We should try to come together,” said Qazi Amin, a member of public uprising forces, referring to unity among the people.

Parwan residents said that the increase in Taliban attacks on Ghorband – 50 kilometers from Kabul – has raised concerns about their safety.

“If attention is not paid to the Dara-e-Ghorband valley, it is likely the Taliban will enter Charikar,” said Hashmat, a Parwan resident.

“The forces should be supported to protect the city,” said Khanullah, a Parwan resident.

But local officials in the province said that efforts to retake the lost areas have started.

“The security forces are there and they will soon push back the enemy and will not allow it to advance,” said Abdul Wase, Security Officer at Parwan Police Headquarters.