Documents in TOLOnews’ possession show the Baghlan military council has decided to withdraw Afghan National Army (ANA) forces from two large military bases, Alavuddin and Mangalha, which are in Baghlan-e-Markazi district of Baghlan province.

The documents show that the head of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) police chief, governor of Baghlan and ANA commander signed the order which states security forces should withdraw from the two  military bases.

Of the officials who signed the document, only Noor Habib Gulbahari, Baghlan police chief, shared his views with TOLOnews in this regard.

He said he was not aware of the importance of the military bases in Baghlan-e-Markazi when signing the document.

“Now as I look at the region, I am against this decision because if we withdraw from here, the enemy can easily go to Baghlan-e-Markazi,” Gulbahari said.

Baghlan provincial council however warned that if security forces withdraw from the region, more than 13 villages and two military bases will fall to the Taliban.

“Baghlan people are worried about this decision as it will increase insecurity,” said Mawlawi Abdul Wali Raji, a member of the council.

“If these two bases are taken over by the Taliban, then they will have control of the 12 to 13 (surrounding) villages,” said Mohammad Zarif Zarif, another member of the council.

A number of Baghlan residents meanwhile said if the decision is implemented, Baghlan-e-Markazi and even Baghlan province could fall to Taliban.

A similar agreement was signed last year by Gulab Mangal, former minister of border and tribal affairs, which led to the district falling to the Taliban. The insurgent group is still a major threat in the area. 

“Government last year left Dand-e-Ghori to the Taliban and up until now they are still active there,” said Mahtabuddin, a resident of the province.