The 207 Zafar Army Corps said Sunday that security forces conducted operations along the Herat-Ghor highway and in eastern districts of the province, clearing the areas of insurgent fighters.  

A commander said the Herat-Ghor highway has long been under Taliban control.

“We want to reopen the Herat-Ghor highway, which has been closed for nearly one decade,” said General Fazil Mohammad Junbish, 207th Corps commander. 

According to the military official, winter operations will continue in other areas as well.

“We have other operations in the zone and also we conducted our winter operations all over the country,” said General Mohammad Shoaib, deputy chief of staff. 

Herat officials said that besides clearing operations along the Herat-Ghor highway, other eastern districts lacking security will also be cleared of insurgents. 

“The operation aims to clear the highway and reopen it for travelers,” said Herat’s governor Abdul Qayum Rahimi. 

“Our message to our enemies is “leave or be killed,” said Abdul Qudos, an army soldier.