Attacks force DACAAR to suspend activities and relocate a field office in the Ghazni Province of Afghanistan.

Two attacks against DACAAR at the beginning of July have now forced DACAAR to suspend activities in 11 villages in Barakat valley in Ghazni Province until further notice. Furthermore, to ensure the safety of DACAAR staff in the concerned area, the field office in Barakat valley will be shifted to Ghazni city.

‘It is indeed sad to see the deterioration of the overall security situation in Afghanistan. With the recent attacks and threats against DACAAR we see no other option but suspending our activities in Barakat until the situation has reached a level where it is again possible to serve people in this area. The perpetrators behind the attacks are not only affecting DACAAR, they are also depriving people in the area from being able to improve lives and livelihoods in collaboration with DACAAR. We do hope that the necessary steps will be taken in order to reinstall security in this area,’ says Erik Toft, DACAAR’s Director.

The first incident happened on 2 July when a group of masked and armed men stopped three DACAAR’s staff on their way to visit a project site. The attackers warned that DACAAR should stop working in the area, and shortly after started firing several shots. All three DACAAR staff managed to escape unharmed and the attacks left only material damages.

On 10 July, a large group of masked and armed men ransacked DACAAR’s field office in Barakat, threatening to kill DACAAR staff working in the area unless activities were ceased. The group looted the office and set a vehicle on fire before they left with mobile phones, motorbikes and other of DACAAR’s equipment.

DACAAR has been present in Barakat valley in Ghazni Province since 1999 implementing a series of development activities. Since 2005, DACAAR has furthermore been implementing the Afghan Government’s National Solidarity Programme in the area through the establishment of 11 community development councils.

The Danish Refugee Council is a member organisation of DACAAR.

For further information please contact:
Public Information Officer Alexandra Strand Holm, Kabul, Afghanistan,

Tel.: +93 (0) 799 33 77 53, E-mail: a.strand.holm@dacaar.org

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