MA’RUF DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Taliban fighters kidnapped three local nationals, killing one in Ma’ruf district, Aug. 3.
Ghunday Afghan Local Police reacted quickly in an attempt to rescue the hostages. With the significant amount of insurgents in the area engaging the ALP with small arms fire, the Ma’ruf District Chief of Police requested additional support.
Upon arrival, insurgents attacked the Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces with heavy fire. During the engagement, ANSF and coalition forces saw additional insurgents approaching the location from Atghar Village, but were able to repel the force.
Approximately five hours after the engagement began, gun shots were heard north of the area where the fighting took place. According to reports, the Taliban killed one of the hostages.
The slain hostage was a nephew of an Afghan National Police member. He was identified as a prior Taliban member who refused to fight during the attack and refused to support the insurgents. For this reason, the insurgents killed him.
According to a Special Operations Forces team leader, the Ma’ruf District Governor, Abdul Samat, responded to the Taliban’s actions by publicly denouncing the kidnapping and blatant un-Islamic actions of the insurgents.
“They [the insurgents] still have an opportunity to be able to do the right thing and let the other hostages go home,” said Samat.
Samat also challenged the insurgents to think about what Ramadan means and act accordingly in order to save themselves in the next life.
“This is a great example of the Afghans in Ma’ruf district resisting the oppressive nature of the Taliban,” said the Special Operations Task Force South Executive Officer.