The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on Tuesday confirmed that Wardoj district of Badakshan province has been completely cleared of insurgents after an operation was launched last week.
TOLOnews reporter, Sayed Azem Arash, visited Wardoj and reported that at least 44 Taliban insurgents have been killed and 28 others injured during the operation. The Afghan forces expressed confidence in the security situation in the district and assured that security forces have gained complete control.
"All the areas in the district have been cleared of insurgents. All the residents are now safe," said Abdul Raouf Arghandiwal, the Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 111 Army Division.
Prior to the operation, Wardoj had become one of the most dangerous districts in Badakshan. Just a couple months ago, Taliban insurgents killed 16 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and abducted 12 others.
ANSF officials said in addition to ground troops being sent into the area, insurgent hide-outs were targeted by airstrikes as well. They did not specify as to whether the airstrikes were carried out by coalition or Afghan air forces.
After the operation ended, security officials visited the district on Sunday to review the outcomes. General Bismillah Mohammadi, the Minister of Defense, confirmed that no insurgents exist any longer in the district.
"The area has been cleared of insurgents as a result of the operation. The Taliban and other insurgents' groups have been either killed or pushed out," Gen. Mohammadi said.
Growing insecurity in the district had forced several residents of Wardoj to leave their homes and seek shelter in other parts of the province. The Afghan forces have promised to keep the district secure in the future and urged residents to return.