Eight drug labs destroyed in first NATO-backed raids: Afghan presidency

The labs were targeted in air strikes.
 
In a statement, the presidency said that the current war in Afghanistan is a drug war and that drug is considered a major source of funding for Taliban and other terrorist groups.
 
The statement said that peace and stability will be tough to achieve without fight against criminal economy, adding the government has taken serious measures to eliminate drug labs in the country.
 
According to the statement, the RS-backed raids on drug factories will continue with current focus on Sangin, Musa Qala, Kajaki and Nawzad districts.
 
Afghanistan is considered as world’s largest producer of opium.
 
Less than a week ago, the United Nations in a report said that opium production increased by 87 percent to record level of 9,000 tonnes.
 
Helmand province is top producer of opium in the country.
 
‘Narcotics largest source of revenue for the Taliban’
 
The U.S. commander of international forces at a press conference with Afghanistan’s chief of army staff said that narcotics remain largest source of revenue for the Taliban.
 
John Nicholson said that the Taliban are becoming a criminal organization. “They fight so that they can keep profiting from narcotics trade and other criminal activities.”
 
According to the commander, Taliban earn more than $200 million annually from drug trade.
 
The commander also warned Afghanistan’s neighbours over support to militants. “They must also realize that they have picked the wrong side.”
 
He suggested tackling Taliban sources of funding is part of new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, adding more strikes on drug trafficking organizations and labs will happen in future.
 
Last night’s strikes on drug factories happened in Musa Qala, Kajaki and Washir districts.
 
Sharif Yaftali, Afghanistan’s chief of army staff, said that the drug factories which were recently destroyed in Helmand had been responsible for 60 percent of Taliban funding.