FARYAB - More than 1,500 families have fled their homes fearing possible clashes between security forces and Taliban insurgents in the Ghormach district of Faryab province.

The exodus came three days after security officials warned residents of possible attack from the Taliban, saying the armed rebels had gathered in nearby areas to storm the district centre.

The families who have moved to a nearby Qizar district and other areas are faced with numerous problems, including lack of drinking water and food.

One of the displaced persons, Abdul Basir, who arrived in Qizar district along with six other families, said, “When the Taliban told us they are planning to attack the district centre, we took refuge here, but left behind our belongings in haste.”

Mr. Basir said he spent two days in a hotel with family and later managed to find a house against rent, complaining the government was yet to assist them.

A tribal elder in Ghormach, requesting anonymity, said up to 2,000 families had been displaced from Aab-i-Garam, Takht Bazaar, Petu and Ashor villages.

The elder, who along with 11 other families had arrived in the Chalgazi area of Ghormach, said the families were in dire need of assistance.

The Ghormach district chief, Nimatullah Sarhadi, said more than 1,500 families had left their homes and had taken refuge in deserts and valleys, where they faced with numerous problems.

Source: Pajhwok Afghan News