Afghanistan replaces head of troubled Marjah, other districts in Helmand
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — 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 says that Haji Zaher has been replaced as district chief as part of a "reform procedure."
Zaher said Wednesday that he was told of the decision earlier this week and he has already introduced his replacement, Abdul Mutalib.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Provincial spokesman Daoud Ahmadi would not say if Zaher 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.