Afghanistan replaces leader of Marjah district - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Afghanistan replaces leader of Marjah district

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan government has replaced its representative in the troubled southern district of Marjah, barely six months after a major military offensive retook it from the Taliban.

A spokesman for Helmand province said Wednesday that Abdul Zahir has been replaced as district chief as part of a “reform procedure.”

Zahir said that he was told of the decision earlier this week and he has introduced his replacement, Abdul Mutalib.

Provincial spokesman Daoud Ahmadi did not say if Zahir was removed because of continued instability in Marjah. The southern farming town was intended to be a showcase of good Afghan governance after combined Afghan and international forces expelled the Taliban, but authorities have struggled to consolidate their control.

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