Acting Minister of Defense Mohammad Masoom Stanikzai has stressed for the need to root-out the rebels from rural areas across the country in a bid to minimize chances of civilian casualties during clashes.
Stanikzai, who recently toured western Herat province to monitor security situation, told a press conference on Monday that the Ministry of Defense was working on a strategy to change the dynamics of the conflict and move the battle fields out of villages.
It was noted that the fact that militants hide among civilians in rural areas was a major reason why the security forces have so far not managed to eliminate them from certain parts of the country. Stanikzai added that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) avoid using full force against the rebels in rural areas out of fear of civilian casualties.
He emphasized that the Afghan Air Force (AAF) would soon be strengthened and the blocked highways would be cleared across the country for effective counter-terrorism measures. He also emphasized that the stability of Afghanistan was in the best interest of the entire region and persistent violence in Afghanistan would only leave negative impacts on the entire region
The Acting Minister of Defense noted that the ANSF are also focused on eliminating the threat posed by the militant group Daesh.
Meanwhile, Gen. Dawlat Waziri, Deputy Spokesman of the MoD, has said efforts are underway to wipe-out militants’ strongholds this winter for good. According to him, next plans include preparing the Afghan National Army (ANA) for spring season when the militants are likely to wage more attacks. Gen. Waziri said that more training and education for the ANSF is also on the cards. The MoD officials appreciated the civilian support in this regard.
Muhammad Asif Rahimi, Governor of Herat asked the security officials to curb criminal elements targeting civilians in the province.
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