The Netherlands is paying a warlord to protect its convoys in the Afghan province of Uruzgan.
According to Dutch journalist Bette Dam, the Afghan warlord Matiullah Khan receives more than 500,000 dollars a month from the Dutch army, via subcontracters, to protect convoys transporting water and food to their bases. The Netherlands considers him a notorious human rights violator but on the crucial route from Kandahar to Tarin Kowt he has the upper hand and can demand as much money as he wants for the militia who protect the road. The Dutch leadership at Kamp Holland has blocked his appointment as police chief in Uruzgan on a number of occasions because of his dubious past.
Matiullah Khan confirmed to Bette Dam that he receives money to protect convoys of army vehicles transporting water, food and fuel. The warlord asks for 2,000 to 3,000 dollars per lorry.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence says he is not paid directly. According to a spokesperson it is up to local transporters whether they find it necessary to pay for protection.
Photo: Dutch ISAF troops in Tarin Kowt - Flickr/isafmedia
Dutch ISAF troops in Tarin Kowt - Flickr/isafmedia
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Already known since April 2009, published by Australian media. See weblog http://www.vn.nl/Opiniemakers/Ko-Colijn/Artikel-Ko-Colijn/Lifeline-naar-..., dd 28 april 2009.
Its such a shameful thing, they are paying Afghan warlords for protection. They should go home really.
Shameful thing for those terrified rats !!!! You are brave only with unarmed women & children and by your fighters from over the sky !!!!!!! If you can't cover your asses on ground then GO HOME !!!
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