US programme to arm Afghan groups begins

KABUL: A US-funded programme to train and arm community members in Afghanistan’s most dangerous regions as a way to defend against the Taliban has begun, the country’s interior minister said on Saturday. The US will provide funds to arm the community force with the same weapons used by Afghan police Kalashnikov rifles, said Interior Ministry Mohammad Hanif Atmar. The programme has already begun, but Atmar refused to say where, citing security concerns. Other officials have said the programme will begin in Wardak, an increasingly dangerous province on the southwest side of Kabul. ”After training they will have the responsibility of protecting the people, providing security for the highways, schools, clinics and other government institutions,” Atmar told a news conference.