[Tolo News] First Vice-President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum...ethnic Uzbek warlord who distinguished himself fighting the Soviets and the Taliban. The story that he had a bad guy run over with a tank is an exaggeration. It was an armored personnel carrier...
on Monday arrived in Maimana, the capital of Faryab province, and called on residents to support security forces who he said would soon clear the province of anti-government Death Eater groups.
"You people had more than half a million votes in the presidential election and we are addressing your problems. Once I secure Faryab province and dispel the armed oppositions, and when I go back to Kabul
...the capital of Afghanistan. Home to continuous fighting from 1992 to 1996 between the forces of would-be strongman and Pak ISI/Jamaat-e-Islami sock puppet Gulbuddin Hekmayar and the Northern Alliance, a period which won Hek the title
Most Evil Man in the Worldand didn't do much for the reputations of the Northern Alliance guys either....
, I will discuss your problems with the Security Council," said Dostum.
Meanwhile Dostum said he is taking Faryab's security problems seriously and acknowledged that residents have criticized government.
"Yes your criticisms are right for the government and the insecurities have spread in the province and we will solve your problems and soon you will see your problems are solved," he said.
Dostum visited the insecure Qisar district of Faryab under heavy protection -- protection that included land-based security and air support.
Faryab province has witnessed several heavy battles these past few week and Death Eater activity has reached an all-time high in the area. As a result, many parts of the province have collapsed to the Taliban.
But Dostum's visit comes at a time when ongoing festivities rage across the northern parts of Afghanistan -- battles many claim are being led by foreign Death Eaters. But Dostum said that a new push by Afghan cops would help to stabilize the region.
Previously, Dostum issued an ultimatum to Talibs in Faryab province, warning them that they would have two days to either join the government or face serious repercussions. On Sunday he said government forces are ready to confront the holy warriors with full force.