LASHKARGAH (SW): General John Francis Campbell, commander of the Resolute Support Mission and United States Forces in Afghanistan has said security in southern Helmand province would improve significantly.
Taliban launched brazen attacks on Sangin district in Helmand and overrun a number of areas there that also saw some 80 Afghan National Army (ANA) men killed. Gen. Campbell was part of a high-ranking security delegation visiting Helmand promised soon measures would be taken to bring stability to the province.
He accompanied Mohammad Masoum Stanikzai, the Interim Minister of Defense and Noorul Haq Ulomi, Minister of Interior.
The delegation has vowed to resolve issues relating to the formation and resources so that the security forces take on the rebels with rejuvenated spirit and effective manner.
The delegation held meetings with the Helmand Governor Mirza Khan Rahimi and other officials at the 215 Maiwand Corps Headquarters last evening. Rahimi briefed the delegation about state relating to security affairs in the province.
Besides sharing recommendations, he assured that the local were fully backing the security forces. Rahimi stressed that a comprehensive plan by the central government was needed to bring peace and stability to Helmand.
Latest Offensives in Helmand
Latest from Helmand suggests some 45 armed rebels have been killed in operation conducted by the government forces. Shah Mehmood Ashna, spokesman for the provincial police department told Salam Watandar that the government forces conducted an aerial raid in Sangin’s Chogak area and eliminated 45 rebels.
He added that a top militant commander Mullah Nasir was also shot dead while fighting against the government forces in Marja district on Saturday. He went on to say that clean-up operation was still underway.
Qari Yosuf Ahmadi, spokesman for the Taliban however, asserted that they have inflicted heavy casualties upon the government forces by killing some 30 security forces’ personnel in Mosa Qala and Sangin districts. The government officials reject claims made by the Taliban.
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