Afghan security forces repel Taliban offensive in Ghazni
Iran Press TV
Sat Sep 27, 2014 1:29PM GMT
Afghan security forces are fighting to repel a major Taliban offensive in the troubled eastern province of Ghazni, where the militants have killed up to 100 security personnel and civilians over the past few days.
"Afghan soldiers, police and commandoes have launched clean-up operations against the militants in Ajristan," Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Ghazni Province, said.
"The Taliban militants were holed up, using civilian houses as shelters. They were driven out and are being beaten back," the official added.
Sediq Seddiqi, a spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry, said, "We have sent special forces, police and army as part of reinforcements to the district, and launched operations against the Taliban. The villages will be cleared of the militants very soon."
The Taliban militant group has been advancing in Ghazni in recent months. The province serves as a key link to the southern and southeastern parts of the war-torn country.
Over the past months, militants have stepped up their attacks against Afghan government troops, foreign forces and civilians. They have vowed to escalate the assaults on Afghan forces and US-led troops, their bases, diplomatic missions and vehicle convoys before the drawdown of the US-led foreign soldiers by the end of the year.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban militant group from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of tens of thousands of US-led troops.
There are currently more than 41,000 foreign troops in Afghanistan, including some 29,000 US troops.
MP/HJL/SS
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