MAZAR - The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) disrupted the anti-government armed militant groups’ plans to establish a strong operational base in Kishindih district of northern Balkh province.
Acting provincial governor Ata Mohammad Noor said the militants were looking to establish the base in Sizda village in the mountainous terrain of Balkh province.
Noor further added that the group was led by Mawlavi Abdul Bari in Sizda village which is a strategic area from the military point of view.
He said the group had started terrorizing the local residents as they were establishing the base, killing and torturing the residents and torching the houses in the area.
The operations were jointly conducted by the Afghan national security forces who were receiving close-air support by the Afghan Air Force, Noor added.
According to the local security officials, at least ten militants have been killed so far and sixteen others have been arrested.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the operations so far. (KP)