Afghan Forces Launch Operation to Recapture Darqad District

Afghan forces on Sunday wrested control of a northern district bordering Tajikistan from the Taliban, officials said, two months after its capture stoked fears the jihadists’ violence could spread to Central Asia. According to the Ministry, over 15 insurgents were also injured and arms and ammunition seized during the operations.

According to Afghan Gen. Murad Ali Murad, security forces – backed by air power – entered Takhar’s Darqad district early Sunday morning after three days of heavy fighting which saw casualties on both sides.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman Sediq Sediqi said at least 20 Taliban militants have been killed during the operations so far.

The national security forces launched an intense operation to retake Darqad district on Friday.

Afghan security forces regularly conduct military operations against Taliban fighters.

Darqad, located on the banks of the Oxus river on the border with Tajikistan, was captured by the militants in late October in a battle that had left at least six Afghan security force members dead.

“The Taliban’s shadow governor for the Yangi Qala district and a local Taliban commander were among those killed”, he added.

Militancy has increased and counter-militancy operations have been stepped up in Afghanistan since last April when the Taliban launched its spring offensive in the country.

The Taliban is yet to make any comment.

Last week a United States soldier became the first American killed in Afghanistan in 2016 while two more were wounded, more than a year after foreign combat troops were withdrawn.