Ismail Khan mobilises hundreds in Herat to fight Taliban

KABUL: Mohammad Ismail Khan, a former mujahideen leader and a senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami party, has mobilized hundreds of his loyalists in Herat province in the west of Afghanistan to fight the Taliban as the group continues to capture large swaths of territories across the country.

Taliban has come closer to the city of Herat after taking over many districts in the province, including two key border towns. “We will reorganize the war fronts. We will save the city of Herat from those who have the order to plunder the city. We will not let them to change their dreams for plundering Herat into reality. We will not allow them to cast an evil eye towards the honor and dignity of our people,” said Ismail Khan.

Ismail Khan also pledged that after maintaining security around Herat city, the military efforts will be focused on recapturing other districts of the province from the Taliban including the other territories that have fallen to the group in west zone.

“Soon you will witness the presence of public uprising forces in various parts of the city and in the districts of Herat. We will move towards other areas of the western zone after fixing turbulences in Herat city,” added Ismail Khan. Over the past 24 hours, the Taliban has captured eight districts in Herat province including Islam Qala and Torghundi border towns. Karkh, Kohsan, Gulran, Kashk-e-Kohna, Robat Sangi, Shindand, Adraskam and Pashtun Zarghoon are among the districts that were fallen to the Taliban in the past 24 hours.

“We will never allow the Taliban to enter the city of Herat. We assure the people to prevent the infiltration of the Taliban into the city,” said Feroz Ahmad Azizi, a Herat resident.

“The Taliban will see a worse treatment from the public. If they insisted on fighting, we will take weapons, if they offer the hand of friendship, we will show similar gesture,” said Abdul Latif, a Herat resident.