As part of the recently launched Operation Khalid, the security forces retook four outposts in Bala Murghab district in Badghis province on Thursday.

“Security forces took part in the operation to retake police outposts. The clashes are ongoing and casualties have been inflicted against the enemy. We continue our efforts to suppress the enemy,” said Sher Hamza Darbandi, the executive officer of 207 Zafar Corps.

“We are on the frontline of the battle with lots of enthusiasm in order to defend our country and we are committed to defending the country with our heart and soul,” said Qazi Mufakkir, an army officer.

Another army soldier, Gulajan Amarkhail, said: “We assure the people of Afghanistan that we will fight the enemy and we will defeat them.”

Meanwhile, Badghis Police Chief General Abdul Rauf Taj said the Taliban wants to turn Bala Murghab into their main stronghold in order to use it to attack the southern and northern parts of the country.

“There are many Taliban fighters in Badghis and Bala Murghab and they want to turn the district into their main stronghold. They attacked security forces’ outposts many times last year, but every time they were defeated,” the police chief said.

Mohammad Nasir Nazari, member of Badghis Provincial Council, meanwhile said police force members should be stationed in the retaken areas in order to maintain security in the areas.

“Taliban will come back to the areas and people will have no option but to stand beside them if security agencies fail to ensure security of the residents and do not station more forces in the cleared regions,” Nazari stated.