Afghanistan replaces head of troubled Marjah, other districts in Helmand

Afghanistan replaces head of troubled Marjah

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 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.

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.