LASHKARGAH(SW):Reports emerging from southern Helmand province suggest intense fighting was underway on the outskirts of the provincial capital Lashargah and Nad Ali district.
The fighting has entered fifth day after the Taliban’s coordinated attacks on security checkpoints. Officials have said that 160 militants and 25 security personnel have been killed in the fighting so far.
Nabi Jan Mullah Kheyl, Helmand Police Chief, told Salam Watandar that in addition to the clean-up operations in Gereshk and Nad Ali districts, they have also launched an operation in Babaji area to expel the rebels.
He added that airstrikes were also part of the operation.
He further said that Mawlawi Naser, one of Taliban’s commanders, has been killed along with his 27 men in the operation.
“As a result of airstrike and infantry operations by the security forces, Taliban’s two commanders Mullah Ghani and Mullah Qayum have been also killed.” he said.
According to him, the security forces were currently conducting house to house search in these districts.
Helmand Police Chief noted that the reinforcements have arrived to Helmand from Kabul. He assured residents in Lashkargah that the security forces would not allow the Taliban to inflict any casualties on them.
It is said that the Afghan National Police (ANP) is leading the operation.
ENDS
