Local officials in north-eastern Badakhshan province on Wednesday said heavy clashes are ongoing between the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and Taliban insurgents.

Faisal Ahmad Bekzad, provincial governor said the clashes started three days ago after a group of insurgents attacked Tagab district.

“Our security forces have achieved good results in these clashes and insurgents have suffered heavy casualties so far,” he said adding that “30 insurgents attacked the district and eight have been killed.”

“Unfortunately, three of our soldiers were slightly injured,” he said.

In the meantime, the provincial council members criticized government for not launching the military operation six months ago as was promised.

“It is the failure of the security forces and they (security forces) talked about launching a military operation six months ago but before government forces could do anything, the Taliban attacked - which is very dangerous,” Bekzad said.

But officials at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) warned that insurgents will be destroyed in Badakhshan soon.

“We are very capable. We are currently busy fighting insurgents in Tagab district of Badakhshan and soon the enemies will be defeated,” said deputy minister of MoD, Afzal Aman.

But the members of the provincial council and residents of Badakhshan warned that “if operations are not launched to destroy the insurgents, they will increase their attacks in most districts.”