The Interior Minister Taj Mohammad Jahid said on Wednesday during a trip to Balkh province there were no good terrorists or bad terrorists but that any person or group that fights against government forces to destabilize the country are enemies of Afghanistan.

Addressing a gathering in the province, the minister said they are now well prepared to fight insurgents and will eliminate them across the country.

“Government’s will is indeed strict against insurgents. Government’s will is to support the security and defense forces and government’s will is indeed to bring peace and stability to the country,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor said he is concerned about the spread of insecurity in the northern provinces as it would increase if security forces do not take an offensive stance against militants.

“Do not let insurgents infiltrate, strengthen and create problems for us. If we let them collect (illegal) taxes, cultivate poppies and conduct smuggling, they will receive money and will further equip [their fighters]. Then they will manage more wars,” Noor said.

Deputy Head of Balkh Provincial Council, Sayed Abdullah Masroor, meanwhile urged the interior ministry to increase its operations against insurgents.

“We call on senior security officials to be fair in appointments. Many provinces have a structure of 18,000 [troops] while Balkh has a structure of 3,000 to 4,000 [forces],” Masroor said.