Farah province local officials said on Saturday morning that Taliban insurgents had retreated from around Farah city.

According to local officials an Afghan security forces operation with the support of foreign air strikes continues in northern and eastern parts of Farah city.

Officials said that those areas which were under Taliban control have now been retaken by the security forces and at the moment they are carrying out clearance operations.

This comes after Farah Police Chief Mohammad Ghaws Malyar said on Friday more than 150 insurgents were killed in military operations carried out by security forces in parts of the province.

He said the army's special forces were on the frontline of the battle and Taliban militants are retreating from northern parts of the city.

He added security forces have closed roads to prevent insurgents from leaving the province.

Meanwhile, a number of Farah residents welcomed the security forces' efforts at a gathering in the province.