Amid growing concerns about the worsening security situation in the southern province of Kandahar, National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib said that efforts are underway to boost coordination among local officials in the province but added that the slow pace of the operation is aimed at preventing harm to civilians.

Central districts of Kandahar have been faced with heavy clashes between government forces and the Taliban for the last three months, but concerns remain over a lack of coordination among relevant sectors, including the provincial governor’s office, the police and the army leadership to control the situation.

Arghandab, Zherai, Dand and Panjwai districts were once the most secure districts in the province, but they have faced heavy clashes in recent months. Figures by local officials reveal that at least 7,000 families have been displaced in recent fighting in the province.

“Required changes have been brought to the security sector, both in the 205 Corps and in the NDS (office in Kandahar) and a new governor has been appointed. All are making efforts,” Mohib said.

But lawmakers from Kandahar said the city of Kandahar will soon fall to militants if the central government fails to control the rifts between the governor, the police chief and the army corps commander in the province.

“The central government should pay attention to the government. Kandahar will collapse if the situation continues,” said Gul Ahmad Kamin, an MP from Kandahar.

Kandahar residents said that lack of coordination among higher-ranking officials in the province has affected coordination among security force members who are fighting the Taliban in the province.

“The National Directorate of Security, police and army don’t have the required coordination,” said Nawid Ahmad Saeedi, the head of tge youths’ association in Kandahar.