Afghanistan: Taliban Inmates Increase Insecurity

A number of analysts have criticized the government's negligence in the release of the high-ranking Taliban prisoners, claiming that a majority of the released inmates have reintegrated with the insurgents.

According to the Afghan Minister of Defense, Bismillah Mohammad, Taliban's reclusive leader, Mullah Omar's assistant—who was among the released prisoners—is now leading the war.

It is the first time that the Ministry of Defense (MoD) has publicly expressed criticism of the released prisoners.

"Majority of those released from the prisons are now leading the war in Afghanistan," Mohammad said. "Sadr, Mullah Omar's assistant, for instance was among the released from the Pul-e-Charkhi Prison."

Analysts have stated that the release of dangerous inmates—against whom sufficient evidence exists—was a big mistake.

"We can only detain people against whom we have criminal evidence and the government must have the capability to follow up on those they decide to release," University lecturer Nasrullah Estanikzai said. "The responsibility for the insecurities lies with those who released the inmates despite having sufficient evidence against them."

Furthermore, military experts assert that the government is responsible for the negative consequences of releasing the prisoners.

"We have heard the names and positions of the inmates released from Bagram through media," a military expert, Jawed Kohistani, said. "The government released them cautiously and in cooperation with some circles working closely with the Taliban. The responsibility of the current war in Afghanistan is on the government."

The release of the Taliban prisoners had followed major criticisms inside and outside the country, but received no response from the Afghan government.