Taliban fighters during “Operation al-Khandagh”
On May 11th, the Taliban imposed control of the Nirkh district in the province of Wardak after a fierce battle with Afghan government forces.
In a statement, the Afghan Ministry of Interior claimed that security forces had performed a “tactical retreat” after inflicting heavy losses on the Taliban. Nirkh is located less than 40 kilometers away from the country’s capital Kabul.
The Taliban said that its fighters had captured the district compound, police center, intelligence department as well as an army base. According to local sources, Taliban militants set the district compound on fire.
Afghan commando units have been already deployed near Nikh. The Defense Minister said that an attack to recapture the district will be launched soon.
Fresh #commando forces have been stationed in #Nirkh district of Maidan #Wardak province. The district will soon be cleared off of Taliban. #ANA will not allow the #Taliban terrorists to harm Wardak’s residents.#ThisIsANDSF #Talibanmovetalibandie pic.twitter.com/mvzqy1JBJi
— Afghanistan Guardians (@AfgGuardians) May 12, 2021
The Taliban attack came ahead of a nationwide ceasefire, which is set to start at the first of Eid al-Fitr holy day on May 12. Despite calls to extend the ceasefire beyond the three-day Islamic holy day, the government and the Taliban are yet to agree on this.
The situation in Afghanistan deteriorated following the announcement of a strict plan to pull all US troops out from the country by September 11th. At least 255 civilians were killed over the last 30 days.
