Heavy clashes between the security forces and the Taliban are ongoing close to Farah city in the west of the country, officials confirmed Sunday.

Members of the provincial council and civil society activists have however blamed local officials for the lack of a war management strategy and said that currently the clashes are ongoing only three kilometers from the provincial capital.

The officials said that shops and businesses in the city have closed and hundreds of families are leaving the city.

A source told TOLOnews that security forces are currently in clashes with the Taliban in the first police district of Farah city.

In the meantime, Farah tribal elders have said that residents in the province have taken up arms and are also fighting the insurgents.

"The elders and youth have come together and will not let the Taliban enter the city," said tribal elders.

Reports indicate that the air force has also targeted Taliban strongholds.

Mahauddin Ghori, commander of 207 Zafar Military Corps, has arrived in the province and will lead the war against the Taliban, said officials.

However, reports indicate that the Taliban is advancing on the city despite the heavy clashes.

Last week, the Taliban attacked security checkpoints in the city and clashed with the security forces.