The defense ministry said an operation to eliminate Taliban safe havens in the district will be launched in the near future.

AVA- The Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Wednesday that Dand-e-Ghori area of Pul-e-Khumri city was the central command and control point of the Taliban in Baghlan Province.

Deputy minister of defense Major General Shaor Gul said a military operation will soon be launched to destroy  Taliban safe havens in Dand-e-Ghori, which has been a key region for the Taliban over the past four years.

“It is planned that in the near future an operation will be conducted to destroy terrorist safe havens (in Dand-e-Ghori),” Gul said.

However, tribal elders have complained about government's negligence in roping them in to help.

“The relationship between the tribal elders and the government is not good and government does not consult with the elders to solve the problems,” said Omara Khan Zamankhail, one tribal elder.

“Violence in the province will decrease if the government gives the elders responsibilities and provides financial resources,” said Rajab Mohammad another tribal elder.

Security forces in the province also carry a huge responsibility to maintain security in Pul-e-Khumri city of Baghlan province.

Khalid, one soldier said: “We are trying to prevent Taliban from destabilizing the highway.”