Twenty-five Taliban fighters voluntarily give up arms in Qala-i-Naw
A group of 25 insurgents handed over their weapons at the Qala-i-Naw airfield following a reintegration process led by the Afghan intelligence services in collaboration with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The insurgent group operated in the Muqur zone of Afghanistan’s north-western Badghis province.
Spanish Ministry of Defence
The group’s leader signed the surrender of numerous AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG-7 grenade launchers and short-range radio transmitters. In exchange, the they received reintegration documents.
Later, the Governor of Badghis province, Dilbar Jan Arman Shinwari, presided over a public act of repentance, attended by the province’s vice governor, the provincial head of the intelligence service, the second-in-charge of the Spanish forces in Badghis, as well as a group of Afghan officials and media representatives.
During his speech, the Governor strongly condemned the actions of the Taliban and praised the bravery of those members of the insurgency who had abandoned their weapons and chosen peace instead.
“Acts like this are a clear demonstration that the path we’re taking is the correct one towards reconstruction and progress in Afghanistan,” he said, and encouraged other insurgent groups to follow the example of those present.
The objective of the Programme for Peace and Reintegration, driven by the Afghan Government and supported by ISAF, is to facilitate the reintegration of those members of the insurgency who renounce violence and commit to uphold Afghan law.
This news story is based on a press release [http://www.mde.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2010/08/DGC_100824_Entrega_voluntaria.html] issued by the Spanish Ministry of Defence.