Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: The Afghan security forces detained a key member of the Taliban group in southern Kandahar province while attempting to cross the so-called borders to Pakistan—a crackdown on the group where the Afghan influential figures and US officials have been making all possible ways to get the Taliban to the table of talks with Kabul administration—who had been sidelined in the ongoing peace talks so far.
Provincial Police Chief Gen. Tadin Khan said Monday the shadow governor of Taliban for Jaldak and Tarnak areas of Shahr-e-Safa city of Zabul has been arrested during the an operation which was conducted in Arghistan district of Kandahar province.
However, did not disclose further information regarding the identity of the detained Taliban commander but said he was arrested while attempting to cross-border and flee to Pakistan.
A deputy of the Taliban commander was killed along with four other militants, the police chief added. Some weapons and ammunition were also seized.
Crackdowns against Taliban have been escalated at a time when peace process is in full swing. According to US Department of State, Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad will lead an interagency delegation to Belgium, Germany, Turkey, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan from February 10 – 28.
This trip is part of an overall effort to facilitate a peace process that protects U.S. national security interests and brings all Afghan parties together in an intra-Afghan dialogue through which they can determine a path for their country’s future. He will meet with our allies and partners to discuss mutual efforts to advance that goal and will consult with the Afghan government throughout the trip.
