French nationals among Daesh militants in Afghanistan after Mideast defeat: sources

Several international and Afghan sources warned on Sunday that “a number” of French and Algerian nationals had entered the largely Daesh-controlled district of Darzab in Afghanistan’s northern province of Jowzjan in November.

According to district governor Baaz Mohammad Dawar, at least two women were among the arrivals. He also said three Algerians seen in Darzab are believed to have been in Syria and Iraq.

European and Afghan security sources Kabul confirmed the governor’s remarks about the presence of French nationals among the militants. One of the sources, however, said, “we do not know how many there are.”

Citing the residents of Darzab, AFP reported that about 200 foreign nationals had set up a camp just a few hundred meters from the village of Bibi Mariam.

According to locals, the militants were of several nationalities, including French, and were tall, aged in their late 20s, and dressed in military clothing.
Residents and the district governor warned the militants were also exploiting natural resources, such as precious stones and metals.

“They are ... bringing misery to normal people,” stated a former district village chief identified in the AFP report as Hashar, with other villagers saying many locals had fled the area.

Hashar also said some of the militants operating in the area were training others how to use bombs and lay land mines.
Residents and the district governor warned the militants were also exploiting natural resources, such as precious stones and metals.

“They are ... bringing misery to normal people,” stated a former district village chief identified in the AFP report as Hashar, with other villagers saying many locals had fled the area.

Hashar also said some of the militants operating in the area were training others how to use bombs and lay land mines.