The first winter military operation was launched in Maidan Wardak province – in the west of Kabul – after the imported electricity transmission lines were cut by militants.

Local officials claimed that a number of powerful figures and groups from the capital, Kabul, are involved in the problem including the Taliban.

“Salar, Patanak, Mashin Qala and Watali vilalges in Sayed Abad district were the areas from where convoys were attacked and motorists were stopped,” said Fahim Qayim, Wardak Police Chief.

Two days ago, the power company repaired eight kilometers of power cables to reconnect the transmission lines, TOLOnews reporter Tamim Hamid, who has visited the area, said.

Abdul Mohammad, an electric engineer, said his team has been threatened in parts of Sayed Abad district in Maidan Wardak since they  started working in the province a few months ago.

“It is clear for all that there are some people who don’t want to implement such projects. Even there are people inside the government who support those elements,” Mohammad said.

Other issues, officials said, were also impeding the power line transmission project in the province.

“There are many houses which have been built in the way of the transmission line. I cannot name the owners,” said Jawed Karimzai, electricity officer in the province.

“They are powerful figures including local commanders, tribal elders and those who don’t see the benefit in it are trying to impede such attempts,” Fahim Amin, a civil society activist.

The transmission of 220 kilowatts of imported power project is part of a $150 million USD plan which covers few southern provinces.