(Pajhwok): Insecurity has increased on the Kabul-Gardez highway in central Logar province as drivers say Taliban militants also check vehicles on the route.
Samad Khan, a driver on the Kabul-Gardez highway, told Pajhwok Afghan News the highway’s security had deteriorated and the Taliban emerged on the route to search vehicles on a daily basis.
“My passengers include government employees, military personnel and common people and it is not easy to take them on the road,” he said.
Ali Khan, a resident of Zarif village, also confirmed insecurity on the highway. “Our village is near the highway. Taliban check vehicles to look for government employees and target government vehicles.”
Amrullah in Waghjan bazaar of Mohammad Agha district said they had several times seen Taliban snatching people from vehicles on the route.
Other residents also held similar concern and urged the government to reverse the tide of insecurity on the transit highway.
Meanwhile, deputy Provincial Council chief Abdul Wakil acknowledged the e highway had become more insure compared to the past.
He confirmed receiving many complaints about insecurity on the route including targeted killings and extortion of ordinary people by insurgents.
The public representative said the issue had been shared with security officials in to ensure security of the highway.
Police spokesman Shapur Ahmadzai also confirmed insecurity on the Kabul-Gardez highway but said the problem was not as grave as claimed.
On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said most of the areas along the Kabul-Gardez highway were under Taliban’s control. He said the Taliban used to conduct attacks on military vehicles on the highway.
