Badakhshan’s Nusay district on verge of collapse: official

Nusay district in northern Badakhshan province could fall to the Taliban as militants are closing in toward the district center, governor of the district warned Tuesday.
Mohammad Ibrahim Qayoumi told 1TV that 70 percent of the district, near the border with Tajikistan, had been seized by the Taliban and insurgents are present five kilometers from governor’s compound.
The official said that more than 40 Taliban fighters had launched attacks on the district a month ago. Around 100 fighters are heading to the district from Raghistan district, he said.
The governor called for action from central government to supply local forces and help counter the threat.
“We contacted provincial government for assistance, but they had no aircraft available, therefore we urge central authorities to provide assistance by deploying troops and delivering equipment,” Qayoumi said.
Other local officials, however, claimed that supplies and equipment are on the way to the district.
Qayoumi warned that collapse of the district would threaten its neighboring districts as well.