Noor warns of rising militant violence in North

Atta Muhammad Noor, the acting governor of Balkh province says he has already informed the National Unity Government (NUG) leaders of changing the war geography but they did not take any measures.

Noor, a former general complains of a lack of leadership by President Ashraf Ghani and is angry his warnings of rising militant violence in the north were not heeded.

“The NUG leaders told me that they will take action, but unfortunately they didn’t,” the governor of Balkh province said, recalling a warning he gave Kabul several months ago to prepare for more Taliban violence in the north.

Noor, 51, said neither the president nor the CEO had done much to solve the country’s problems.

The powerful governor of Balkh also criticized the nomination of Masoom Istanikzai as defense minister; adding his appointment was a mistake.

He also supported equipping Afghan security forces and emphasized that if necessary, Mujahidin can also join the security forces ranks.

Ariananews wanted to have Presidency’s comments regarding the issue but failed to success.

Born in Balkh province, Atta Mohammed joined the mujahideen fighting the Soviet presence in Afghanistan in the 1980s and became affiliated with the Jamiat-e Islami party.

By 1992, he had become one of the most powerful mujahideen commanders in Northern Afghanistan.