At least 32 Taliban insurgents were killed during an attack on a military base in Sangin district of southern Helmand province over the past four days, the provincial governor’s office said in a statement on Thursday.

In addition, 40 other insurgents were injured.

The clash started four days ago after dozens of Taliban insurgents launched the attack.

“Three Taliban commanders, Mullah Bashir, Mullah Jahid and Mullah Shir Agha, are among those killed,” the statement read.

However, the statement did not provide details about casualties among security forces.

This comes after CEO Abdullah Abdullah this week visited Helmand where he assured residents that the provincial capital, Lashkargah, would not fall to militants and that other parts of the province will be cleared of insurgents.

“There is no possibility of the fall of this city [Lashkargah]. Meanwhile, the safe zones for the people will be widened,” Abdullah said when visiting security forces on the frontlines in the province.

During his visit, Abdullah not only met with security forces but also visited wounded civilians currently being treated at a local hospital.

Abdullah said Sangin district – which according to residents often comes under attack by the Taliban – will be cleared of militants in the near future.