KABUL (PAN): In order to restore security in the rebels' stronghold Helmand province, Afghan and NATO forces are poised to launch a massive joint offensive soon, spokesman for Defense Ministry General Zahir Azeemi said Wednesday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with ISAF spokesman General Eric G. Termbly, Azeemi said the aim of the operation was to separate civilians from the insurgents and to ensure security for accelerating reconstruction process there.
He also said the operation would enable the government to consolidate its control in the restive southern region and deliver services to the locals.
Azeemi, however, did not say the date of launching the operation and the number of the troops involved in.
He said the offensive would pave the way for reconstruction efforts and to snatch back militant-controlled areas so that the people could get rid of the militancy.
He said operation would jointly be carried out by Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force personnel. Azeemi said an utmost care would be taken to avoid civilian casualties during the operation.
General Eric G. Termbly, ISAF spokesman preparations for the proposed operations had been intensified.
He assured full support to the proposed operation against Taliban- linked insurgents.
"The Afghan National Security forces grow and ISAF receives more troops, the size of operations will be conducted throughout the country, removing villages by villages the insurgents influence," Tremblay asserted.
He also added that thousands of Afghan and NATO-led troops will participate in the operation to root out militants in the region. The National Defence Ministry of Afghanistan informed a widespread clearance operations will commence in southern Helmand province in near future. He hoped the offensive would result into paving way for reconstruction process in the troubled zone.
The announcement of a major offensive in Helmand came at a time when President Hamid Karzai is in Saudi Arabia to seek the Kingdom's support in negotiations with the Taliban.
When asked the defence ministry spokesman that how peace talks and military operations could go together, he replied both were necessary.
He said those who wanted to join the peace process and accept the conditions set for talks would be welcomed and those hell bent on armed fighting would be dealt with military means.
Recruitment of female troops in the Afghan National Army was also announced at the press conference.
Brig. General Muhammad Ebrahim Ahmadzai, deputy commander of recruitment at the defence ministry said the recruitment centres were open in all the provinces and female volunteers can register their names.
He said a test would be carried out in early March in this regard and those who qualified the test would undergo six-month training.
During the training, each trainee will receive 5,000 afghanis ($100) per month, he said
Ahmadzai added those who are over 18 of age and had completed their grade 9-12 education can register themselves for the jobs.
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