Afghanistan: The Army Urges Civilians to Evacuate City Besieged by Taliban Ahead of Military Offensive

A senior Afghan commander charged with defending the capital of Helmand Province, Lashkar Gah, from advancing Taliban militants has urged civilians to evacuate the besieged southern city as soon as possible ahead of a planned army offensive. General Sami Sadat, whose troops are manning barricades in the city, said in a message on Tuesday that civilians had to “leave as soon as possible so that we can start our operation.” “I know it is very difficult for you to leave your houses — it is hard for us too — but if you are displaced for a few days, please forgive…