LASHKARGAH (SW) – Fresh counter-terrorism offensives have been launched in Helmand province, the army announced on Sunday.
According to the 215 – Maiwand Corps, the operation has been launched in the western part of Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province, and in the Nawa and Nahr-e-Saraj districts of the province. As a result of the security forces’ operation, at least 21 Taliban, including the military chief of Marjah district, and other fighters were killed, it said.
The army added at least 13 Taliban fighters were also wounded in the operation.
The Taliban have not yet commented.
Earlier, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani talking to army commanders across the country issued directives that if the Taliban do not ceasefire and continue fighting, they will be suppressed all over the country.
A three-day ceasefire was declared between the Taliban and the Afghan government on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
However, violations of the truce resulted in multiple civilian casualties in Kandahar, Kunduz and Ghazni provinces.
On the second day of Eid, a deadly explosion took place in a mosque in Shakardara district of Kabul province, killing 12 people and injuring more than 15 others.
ENDS
