16 Government-Supporting Military Forces Killed in Taliban Attack

According to Afghan officials, 16 military personnel supporting the government were killed during a Taliban militant attack in Helmand province. The report indicates that this attack occurred on Saturday evening, February 21, during an assault on a checkpoint. Some reports suggest that a Taliban member, who had infiltrated the forces for several months, opened fire on them and fled with their weapons and ammunition. Omar Zwak, the spokesman for the local governor, stated, 'We have been informed that 16 military forces supporting the government were killed during the attack by a Taliban member. What we do not know is where these government-supporting forces were from.' He added that an investigation into the case is ongoing. Qari Yusuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, announced that the group has claimed responsibility for the attack and that the Taliban member who carried it out managed to escape. Since the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan in 2014, local forces and other foreign troops present to counter Taliban attacks have faced difficulties. The Taliban has also gained control over several areas in Afghanistan, including most regions of Helmand province. Some reports indicate that 85% of the opium cultivation areas in this province are under Taliban control. In recent weeks, Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, has also witnessed heavy suicide attacks. During a car explosion in a crowded area in the city center about two weeks ago, over a hundred people were killed. The Taliban also claimed responsibility for that attack. According to the new U.S. defense policy in South Asia, an additional 3,000 American military personnel are expected to be deployed to Afghanistan to take on advisory, training, and preparation responsibilities. The United States currently has 14,000 military personnel in Afghanistan.