The insecurity is on its peak in Afghanistan and the future seems bleak as the lives, livelihood and security of the people are not guaranteed. The government has not been able to control the situation and with each passing day the situation is getting worse. With the withdrawal of international security forces there were hopes that Afghan security forces would shoulder the security responsibilities throughout the country without much difficulty but that does not seem to be the situation. Afghan security forces are facing the toughest challenges of their lives as Taliban and Daesh are getting strength in different parts of the country simultaneously. They have made certain districts their strongholds and are able to threaten the security situation around the capital Kabul to a large extent.
The statistics show the rising wave of terrorism in the country since the international forces ended their combat mission. According to Tolonew’s monthly security roundup, the month of October was the deadliest month in Afghanistan as the incidents of insecurity saw a sharp increase as compared to the first nine months of 2015.
According to the information from the report, 4,280 people were killed during October, showing a 28 percent rise against September. The casualty toll includes killing of 3,733 insurgents during the month, showing a 39 percent increase against September, based on the information received from the Ministries of Defense and Interior Affairs. Among those who were killed, there were 480 security force members 16 foreign nationals were also included in the figure.
October saw 897 events of insecurity and insurgency which illustrates three percent increase against September. Also, the insurgents increased their attacks by seven percent in October and Afghan forces boosted their anti-insurgent operations by 10 percent. Helmand with recording 93 insecurity incidents was the unsafe province followed by Nangarhar, Ghazni, Kunduz and Faryab – the first five insecure provinces. In addition, 542 insurgents were detained during the month. Also, 40 security force members and 36 civilians were captured by the militants.
As the security situation is getting worse, the international community is getting nervous about the situation. US has already announced that it will retain its remaining forces in the country for at least one more year. Moreover, they also claim that their support and assistance to Afghanistan would continue. EU Ambassador to Afghanistan Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin has said, “In think actually the international community is doing a credible job in trying to help the Afghan national security forces ... and their certainly also large-scale training effort.”
Since the security situation is not up to the mark, the civilians are suffering to a large extent. They are losing their lives cheaply and in the most brutal ways. Currently, seven civilians including three women were mercilessly beheaded by the Daesh militants in Arghandab district of southern Zabul province. These civilians were abducted few weeks ago from Ghazni while they were travelling from Jaghori to Ghazni city and belonged to Hazara community.
Though debilitating security influences everyone, the minorities have to see the worst. Hazara community has been facing such killings for long. Just few months earlier, at least 13 Hazaras were killed by gunmen in Zari district of Balkh province, while they were travelling in a minibus.
While in February this year, 31 Hazara passengers were abducted from Zabul province while they were travelling from Herat to Kabul, most of whom were later released.
The government requires taking practical and tangible measures to control the security situation in the country before it is too late. There are fears that if the security situation remains fragile another civil war may erupt in the country. Condemning the incidents after they happen is not a sufficient policy. There should be measures that can prevent such incidents from taking place. What happened in Kunduz, can happen in other parts of the country as well if the security apparatus remains unprepared.
President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the beheading of the civilians and has called it a brutal act. He, in a statement, has said that he is profoundly saddened upon finding about the tragic incident. He has also mentioned that heartless killing of innocent individuals especially women and children, has no justification in any religion or creed and the enemies of Afghanistan gain nothing but shame in this world and wrath in the hereafter.
The current security situation clearly depicts that it cannot further survive through lip service. Afghan government along with the security forces need to design a comprehensive strategy and at the same time they need to implement is effectively. They, undoubtedly, require to seek ways for negotiation for the long term peace but to reach to the point where they can stand on a position of strength in the negotiations they have to use their strength wisely. The international community, in the meanwhile, must continue their support and should divert their support to the areas that are the most urgent and the most necessary. Otherwise, all their support will end up in smoke.