350 militants operating in Afghan northern Badakhshan province: governor

Up to 350 anti-government insurgents are operating in the northern Badakhshan province, provincial governor Ahmad Faisal Bikzad said Sunday.

"A total of 350 militants are active in Badakhshan province and conducting terrorist activities," Bikzad told reporters here.

Foreign nationals including some from Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are also among militants fighting in Badakhshan province, mostly in the restive Wardoj and Jarm districts, the provincial governor asserted.

He also noted that some of the foreign militants are living along with their families.

However, the governor warned to launch major offensive soon to diminish them if the militants continue to operate in Badakhshan province. Enditem