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Roundup: Clash continues in Afghan southern Helmand province amid troops pullout from bases

Xinhua, February 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Fighting between government forces and Taliban militants has been continuing in parts of the troubled southern Helmand province amid troops' withdrawal from bases in the strategically important Musa Qala and Nawzad districts.

The Afghan government forces, according to local media reports, have retreated from Musa Qala and Nawzad districts over the past couple of days.

According to locals, the government forces evacuated Musa Qala and Nawzad districts five days ago, enabling armed militants to control the area.

However, General Mohammad Moin Faqir, the national army Corps commander in the southern region, told Xinhua that "presence of hundreds of soldiers in less important area like Musa Qala" was unnecessary.

The general, nevertheless, noted that he would organize his troops to launch major offensives against Taliban to regain important area from insurgents' clutches.

Meanwhile, Helmand's Provincial Governor Mirza Khan Rahimi confirmed the pullout of the troops from Musa Qala and Nawzad districts but described the step as "technical withdrawal."

The government forces have the ability to overrun the said districts at any time, he added.

The governor said fierce fighting has been continuing in Sangin district over the past few days.

"The security forces have been pushing hard to wipe out all militants and ensure lasting peace in Sangin district," Rahimi told Xinhua.

The governor declined to comment on possible casualties, saying cleanup operation has been continuing in the area.

The government forces, he said, would launch cleanup operations in Khanshin district after restoring law and order in Sangin.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri also confirmed the clash in Sangin district, saying the government forces launched major offensive, code name "Khanjar" which means "sword," insisting that the operation goes on successfully.

Local analysts believe that troops' pullout from Musa Qala and Nawzad would encourage Taliban outfit to intensify activities in Helmand province which is notorious for growing poppy and insurgency. Enditem