Maimana-Mazar highway reopens after a year

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): The Maimana-Mazar Shairf Highway has been reopened for traffic as a result of a security forces operation in northern Faryab province, an official said on Saturday, about one year after the road had been closed.

Jannat Gul Karokhel, Afghan National Army’s 209^th Shaheen Military Corps first brigade commander, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a clearing operation “Naweed-8” was underway in Sherin Tagab and Khawaja Sabz Posh districts and so far many villages had been cleared.

Karokhel added commando forces, special police unit and local uprising groups backed by air force entered Dawlatabad district from Sherin Tagab, killing a least 20 militants including commanders.

Scores of other militants were wounded in the offensive and the security forces remained unharmed.

The Taliban could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.

At least a 50 kilometers portion of the Maimana-Mazar highway had been under Taliban control over the past one year.

The rebels had established check post on the highway, making it impossible for government or military vehicles to travel.

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