The Afghan National Army (ANA) is set to launch a large scale military operation in northern Afghanistan in a bid to eliminate the Taliban who are threatening security in what was once the safest region of the country.  

The operation is aimed at eliminating insurgents in northern provinces, said general Mohmand Katawazai, the commander of 209 Shaheen Army Corps.

As part of their military offensives against insurgents in the north, the Afghan army on Sunday started maneuvers in Baghlan in preparation for their upcoming battles.

“As part of Operation Shafaq 2, we are now coordinating with governors, security commanders in the provinces and chiefs of the NDS (National Directorate of Security) to launch joint military operations against the Taliban in northern provinces,” said Katawazai.

“Military practices will help us to enter the battlefield with more potential and better experience,” said an ANA officer in the Baghlan military corp, Mohammad Omar.

“We are determined to defend the nation until the last drop of our blood; but for this we need the support of our people so that we win our battles,” said another officer, Sayed Hussain Hussaini.

Katawazai pledged to recapture Baghlan’s Dahana-e-Ghori district that fell to insurgents four months ago.

This comes as security continues to deteriorate in a number of now volatile areas in the country.