The embattled Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on Tuesday managed to enter and regain control over the strategically important town of Qala-e-Zal in northern Kunduz province after engaging in heavy clashes with the Taliban.
 
This new development takes place eleven days after the Taliban insurgents carried out a coordinated attack on the key town in the volatile province, setting up another security challenge to hard-pressed Afghan security forces who continue to battle fresh waves of attacks by the resurgent group across the country.
 
Reports from the frontline have confirmed that the ANSF have entered the district’s capital and took back control of important government facilities which have been badly damaged in the fierce battle.
 
TOLOnews correspondent Karim Amini who has been with security forces reported that the Taliban operatives have set fire to key government buildings in the district including the district police headquarters.
 
According to him, the recapture of Qala-e-Zal does not however mean the end of the turmoil in the area as security forces continue to grapple with the Taliban in villages in the district.
 
The Taliban have also planted countless landmines in and around government buildings in Qala-e-Zal, which is slowing down the pace of clearance operations, reported Amini.
 
No details have been given regarding casualties among either security forces or civilians as yet.
 
Taliban allegedly used civilians as shields
 
A number of Afghan National Army commandos battling the Taliban in the district have said that the Taliban were using civilians as human shields during the clashes.
 
“They (Taliban) had established military barracks and trenches inside and outside the residential areas. They were using the civilians as human shields,” said an Afghan Army Commando.
 
“There were fierce battles, but we did not give up and we showed strong resistance and continued storming them,” another commander said.
 
Provincial officials count the financial cost
 
According to the provincial administration, the Taliban deliberately tried to inflict major financial losses to government by destroying buildings and infrastructure in Qala-e-Zal.
 
“The Taliban have inflicted major financial losses both to government and public infrastructure despite knowing this benefits everyone,” said Qala-e-Zal district governor Mahbobullah Saeedi.
 
“We are planning to expand our operations in joint cooperation with the national police and local police, we are determined to clear all areas of Qala-e-Zal,” said Abdul Malik Karimi, the commander of 20 Pamir Army Brigade.