Ismail Khan warns Taliban against disrupting Herat security

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Former jihadi leader Mohammad Ismail Khan on Sunday said he did not need govement’s permission to fight against the Taliban if the rebels tried to disrupt security in weste Herat province.

Addressing a gathering marking the 25th anniversary of Mujahideen Victory in Herat, Ismail Khan said: “If the war is extended to our areas and if the security situation worsens, we will fight against Taliban without seeking permission from the president.”

Hundreds of people including ex-jihadi commanders and local officials attended the gathering. Ismail Khan, a former energy and water minister, said the Mujahideen had not gotten permission from anyone when they were fighting against the former Soviet Union.

“Whether we are allowed or not, I ask all of you to fight against the enemy (Taliban) and defeat them,” he said.

He also asked the people of Herat not to let poster of the former communist era president, Dr. Najibullah, to be pasted on vehicles.

He asked the unity govement to consult Mujahideen on bringing improvement to the country’s security situation.

On his tu, Herat goveor Mohammad Asif Rahimi insisted on the importance of security and stability in the country and asked people to support security forces in their fight against Taliban.

myn/ma