Operations against rebels to continue, says defence minister

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): At least 50 Taliban militants have been killed and wounded in fresh clearing operations in Almar and Andkhoi districts of the northwestern Faryab province, officials said on Tuesday.

According to a Pajhwok Afghan News report, three key commanders were among 34 Taliban killed during the operations late on Monday.

Newly-appointed acting Defense Minister Asadullah Khalid, Resolute Support Mission Commander Gen. Scot Miller and Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) head Abdul Matin Bek arrived in Maimana on Monday afternoon for talks with local officials on the security situation.

The visit of the top officials and the NATO commander comes hard on the heels of raids on Taliban hideouts. The locality security forces were supported by NATO troops two days back in Alamar and Andkhoi districts, where dozens of rebels were killed and wounded.

Khalid called the security operations important, saying the militants had suffered heavy causalities over the past few days.  “Our fight is aimed at bringing peace to the country,” Khalid said. “Our pressure will continue s long as the enemy continues to show obstinacy.”

According to Khalid, the Afghan Army is in a better position in terms of equipment, training and operations against militants. 

Bek, the IDLG head, said they wanted to study the general security situation in the province. Around 50 rebels suffered causalities in the latest clearing operations. He sought credit for IDLG for the better security environment.

Governor Naqibullah Faiq said Faryab had witnessed widespread insecurity before the arrival of reinforcements and NATO forces, who had defeated the militants.

He said military operations and pressure on militants would provide an opportunity for peace negotiations with Taliban. Talks continued throughout the province between the Taliban and influential tribal elders, he added, calling the outcome satisfactory.

pk/mud