Fighting breaks out in Kandahar

By Chathushka Perera

Kabul, Afghanistan (CWBN)_ Over the past weeks, the battlegrounds have started to expand from Helmand into the neighbouring Oruzgan and Kandahar provinces, and also into certain parts of Zabul. According international sources, around 11,663 forced displacements have been verified amid the rising Covid-19 pandemic.

The actual numbers are likely to be higher. Local authorities estimate that about 35,000 people are likely displaced as a result of the conflict.

Meanwhile, several attacks on healthcare facilities have also been reported.

Helmand

The fighting in Helmand was triggered around the 11^th of October when peace talks in Doha, Qatar stagnated with the Afghan Government and the Taliban delegates unable to meet consensus over two of twenty articles of interest, concerning the religious belief and the application of the US-Taliban Agreement sign in February.

Reaching as far as the provincial capital of Lashkargah, the situation in the province has ,since, continued to deteriorate, forcing the US to conduct multiple targeted air strikes against advancing insurgents, in support of pro-government forces.

Moreover, 9,700 people have been displaced in the Helmand region, which amounts for the majority of displacements to occur in the past month.

Kandahar

In Kandahar Province, the fighting, which began on the 27^th of October, is for the most part contained in Arghandab district just north of provincial capital of Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second largest city, and Panjawaiy, Zhari and Maywand districts, west of the city.

However, there have been unverified reports that there has been fighting outside the city. , which faced Taliban rule in 1994, however, the militant forces lost control of the city following US interventions in October 2001. It has ,since, been the razor edge to much of the fighting in the country.

Several operations have been carried out in Arghandab  by the Afghan National Army and Air Force to deter Taliban’s advances. They have resulted in the deaths of 64 insurgents and wounded 20 others. Adding to the death toll, 74 insurgents were killed in airstrikes executed by the US and Afghan forces in other areas of the province.

Government authorities have stated that a “large number” of displacements have been reported.

Oruzgan

In Oruzgan, the fighting has reportedly taken place in the Dehrawud and Gizab districts since October 28^th, inclusive of multiple military operations and air strikes. The situation in Oruzgan is still developing.