Baghlan local police said Friday Taliban has raised their white flag in parts of the province, including along the Baghlan-Kunduz highway. 

According to local police, they would need to launch an operation in order to remove the flags.

“Taliban exist in the area and we are unable to remove their flags. Government should launch a military operation as soon as possible,” said Mohibullah, a local police officer.

Local police warn if a military operation is not launched to eliminate the insurgents, the security situation will worsen.

“If the security situation continues like this, it is possible that our military bases will be occupied by the Taliban. A military operation should be launched soon,” said Shokrullah, another local police officer.

Baghlan police chief meanwhile said security forces are ready to retake the region from the insurgents.

“We have been concentrating on launching military operations in Dand-e-Ghori region, Dahan-e-Ghori district and Dand-e-Shahabuddin region and we will soon launch these operations and will clear the region of insurgents,” Baghlan police chief, Ikramuddin Sare said.

The Taliban has controlled much of Dahan-e-Ghori district, dozens of villages in Pul-e-Khumri city, the capital city of Baghlan province, and a few other districts of Baghlan for the past 10 months.