First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum has arrived in Chahar Shanbe, the area considered the battle frontline in northwestern Faryab province.

Dostum, who arrived in the province almost three weeks ago, has been leading and motivating troops to clear the province of insurgents.

Chahar Shanbe, which lies on the highway between Ghormach and Qaisar districts, had been under the control of the Taliban for more than a year. The area, once cleared, could put an end to fighting in Faryab, said local officials.

At a meeting with the commanders of 209 Shaheen Corps, Dostum praised the sacrifices of security forces and also welcomed the people's uprising which the four-star general said has helped clear Faryab of insurgents.

On the issue of Pakistan's interference, he said he is basing his statements on facts.

"I am not talking about Pakistan's interference from my own. This is what you all know that Pakistan is behind these [insurgent] activities," Dostum said.

Since Dostum's visit to Faryab, scores of insurgents, including a Pakistani military general, have reportedly been killed.

"This general of Pakistan's ISI was leading the war in 15 provinces and he was suppressed," said Dostum, who recently blamed Afghanistan's fighting on Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI).

He said he would try to build an army base in the area and also establish a military training center for the young people.

Meanwhile, the commander of 209 Shaheen Corps, General Ghulam Haidar, asked the first VP to provide the soldiers with more equipment and training.

Dostum's visit to Faryab has reportedly caused huge casualties to the Taliban and other militant groups fighting the security forces.

Several areas and villages have been cleared of insurgents, while at least 300 insurgents have laid down their weapons and joined the government's peace process in the province.

According to local officials, about 1,000 more insurgents are also ready to renounce violence and join the peace process.