A major military offensive was launched by Afghan national armed forces to curb a major plot by anti-government armed militant groups, who were looking to destabilize four provinces of Afghanistan.
The operation called “Simurgh” is the first major military operation conducted by Afghan national army in Azra district of eastern Logar and Nangarhar provinces.
Top Afghan military office Gen. Afzal Aman said the operation was launched after considerable growth of militants activities in Azra district which led to complaints by local residents.
Gen. Aman further added that the militants were looking to destabilize Kabul, Logar, Paktiya and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan along with Kabul-Nangarhar highway.
He said the militants were looking to reach to an agreeement with the local tribal elders in order to turn Azra district as their sanctuaries, but they failed in their plot.
Afghan defense ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi said that Afghan national police forces are also accompanying Afghan national army soldiers during the operation.
According to defense officials, a number of foreign militants were also arrested during the operations, however defense ministry spokesman did not provide further details regarding the identities of the foreing militants.
At least two Afghan national army soldiers have been killed during the operations and Taliban militants have suffered heavy casualties, defense officials said.
