News - Afghanistan
After days of heavy clashes, the insurgent attacks have finally ended in Sangin district of Helmand province.
Helmand Police Chief Gen. Abdul Qayoum Baqizoy said that the anti-government groups have failed to continue their attacks on the districts of Helmand after facing heavy resistance from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
Baqizoy stated that the security forces are now undertaking operations to clean remote areas of insurgency. He added that road-mines have been the most challenging for the people and the ANSF, as its deactivation process continues.
"Anti-government armed groups have laid mines in many villages, claiming the lives of civilians and soldiers," Baqizoy said. "But you will not see any resistance or conflict in Sangin or any districts of Helmand because the anti-government groups have failed in their operations. Helmand is under the control of the ANSF."
Meanwhile, a number of police officers who lost their body parts during the battles in Sangin have expressed their defiant patriotism in defending their country.
"A soldier will defend his country until he is alive," Police officer Toryalai said. "I will not let the enemies of this country reach their goals, as soon as my health is recovered."
Another soldier, Abdul Jabar, who has lost his leg in the battle, asked the security forces not to let foreigners reach their country.
"I will go to the battlefield again and fight alongside my brothers to defend the country and the region," he said. "I will fight the enemies of my government."
Although the exact number of casualties of government forces, civilians and insurgents are not clear, Helmand police chief said that hundreds of civilians have been killed and wounded as a result of the conflict. Moreover, 37 security forces have been killed and over a hundred others have been wounded. The number of militant casualties is estimated to be over 500.
The 10 day long battle in Sangin is said to be among the bloodiest battles this year. The clashes not only resulted in the deaths of hundreds, but have displaced roughly 3,000 families who are in search of safety.
