Militants planning intense fighting in north: Khalid

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Defence Minister Assadullah Khalid and other senior officials have arrived in northern Balkh province to discuss security situation with local leadership in the north.

He is accompanied by National Directorate of Security (NDS) head Masoom Stanikzai, Deputy Minister Khosal Sadat and Resolute Support Operations Chief of Staff, the Ministry of Defence said.

“The enemies are preparing to wage intense fight in upcoming months. We must not ignore readiness too,” the minister told the security and civilian leadership in the north.

The new year might be difficult in terms of security, he said, stressing the officials must think ahead of the fighters. “We must not let them take territories, but also raid their hideouts and retake their territories.”

Balkh added: “We share your concerns in regards to improving security in the north. The 217th Corps will be inaugurated in weeks to deal with the enemies on the battlefield.”

Gen. Ahmadzai, 209h Corps commander in Balkh, said: “The Taliban will not win over us. We have all assets to counter their threats and conduct offensive operations against them.”