Afghan troops launch offensive against Taliban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghan troops launch offensive against Taliban, 18 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550940c813.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 18, 2015
Afghan security forces have launched a large offensive against the Taliban militants in the country's south before the group's spring offensive.
The Defense Ministry said the operation, code-named Zolfiqar, began on February 16 in Helmand Province, a hotbed of the Taliban insurgency.
It said the operation would also target militants in districts in neighboring Kandahar, Farah, and Oruzgan provinces.
General Abdul Khaliq, who commands the operation, said: "This is a totally Afghan-planned and Afghan-led operation. It will continue until success is achieved."
The offensive, launched before the start of the fighting season in April or May, is the first major operation the Afghan security forces have launched since U.S. and NATO forces formally ended their combat mission at the end of 2014.
Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website