Afghan police chief held over roadside bombs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Afghan police commander has been arrested, accused of being part of a ring that planted roadside bombs, Nato-led forces said yesterday.
International troops and Afghan security forces arrested the police commander in Mahmud Raqi, a district of mainly French-patrolled Kapisa province north of Kabul, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
"A known IED facilitator, he has been involved in the storage, distribution and installation of IEDs on the roads surrounding Mahmud Raqi," ISAF said in a statement. IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, are the military term for homemade bombs, by far the most lethal weapon used by insurgents.
"He is also involved in bribery and corruption related to road refurbishment. He has been clearly linked to criminal activities including a murder during the summer of 2009," the statement said. It did not name the commander.
Western troops are struggling to train an Afghan police force to eventually take over security in the country so they can withdraw, but acknowledge that the force is plagued by corruption, incompetence and infiltration by insurgents.
Last November, an Afghan policeman shot dead five British soldiers in southern Helmand province. The Taliban said he was one of their fighters who had infiltrated the force.
Many Afghans also complain about police corruption, one of the reasons that some have turned to the Taliban to provide law and order.
President Hamid Karzai has promised to root out corruption, but prosecutions are extremely rare.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments