Local officials in Kandahar said that clashes have been ongoing in six districts over the last three months, leaving “thousands” of families displaced.

Officials said major changes have been made in the leadership of the army and police in the province, but the security situation has not improved.

“Kandahar is on the verge of collapse. There is corruption in Kandahar,” said Gul Ahmad Kamin, an MP.

Arghandab, Zherai, Argistan, Panjwai, Maiwand and Shah Wali Kot were secure districts but are now battlegrounds with heavy fighting between government forces and the Taliban, local officials said.

“Some officials and politicians contacted district officials, made phone calls and troops left certain areas, and, in some parts, they have made some compromises,” said Hashim Alokozai, a senator.

The government appointed Gen. Shafiqullah Rasulzai as the new commander of the Atal Army Corps and Farid Mashal, a close aide to former police chief Gen. Abdul Raziq, as security officer of the provincial police headquarters. 

“More changes will also be brought to the security ranks in Kandahar so that we have a security leadership that will continue to do the job responsibly,” said Hayatullah Hayat, Kandahar's governor. “There are three reasons behind the lack of progress in areas that have fallen to the Taliban.”

“Hundreds of Taliban members, including key members, have been killed. Also, wide areas have been cleared of the Taliban in these districts,” said Fawad Aman, a spokesman for Defense Ministry.

Local officials said the clashes have displaced at least 6,000 families.

“We have not received specific help. We have received some food,” said Abdul Qayum, a member of a displaced family.

“There are 6,050 families that have been displaced to the city of Kandahar. They are registered in the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation and have been introduced to non-government organizations,” said Dost Mohammad Nayab, head of the refugees and repatriation directorate in the province.