27 TALIBAN FIGHTERS JOIN PEACE PROCESS IN HERAT PROVINCE

Herat, Afghanistan, 29 Shafar 1435/1 January 2013 (MINA) – A group of 27 Taliban fighters have joined peace process in this province, local authorities in western Herat province of Afghanistan reported,

District chief for Adraskan, Mohammad Omarzai confirming the report said the fighter group led by Malem Aziz, surrendered to Afghan government in Adraskan district, Khaama Press quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting, Wednesday.

Omarzai further added that the group also handed over 27 arms and weapons to the local government.

According to reports, Malem Aziz used to serve in counter-terrorism department in Adraskan security commandment, before he join fighter group in Herat province.

Also Read: Indonesian Ambassador: There is no Indonesian Affected by Mangkhut Typhoon in the Philippines

Local authorities said the group had carried out numerous attacks in Adraskan district before joining peace process.

Meanwhile, Adraskan district chief urged the government of Afghanistan to provide employment opportunities for the fighter group who joined peace process.

According Anadolu report, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan suffered 160 casualties in Taliban attacks in 2013.

Information received from ISAF said 127 of the dead were American soldiers, while nine were British and the rest were from other countries.

Casualties fell 60 percent in 2013 compared to a year earlier.

More than 3,000 ISAF soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001. (T/P09/P04).

Also Read: Indonesia Denies Supporting New Elections by Junta in Myanmar

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)