Afghan security forces pushed back a Taliban attack on Herat city and Karokh district in Herat province on Wednesday night, said local officials on Thursday.
“The Taliban has sustained casualties and fighting is still ongoing in some parts of the city,” according to officials.
The Taliban launched simultaneous attacks in Pul-e-Malan in the south of Herat city, Seyawashan village in the city, and in the center of Karokh district, the officials said.
“At least 40 Taliban were killed and more than 40 others were wounded,” according to local security officials.
However, the Taliban has not yet confirmed the deaths of their fighters.
Several army vehicles were also damaged in the attacks, according to sources.
The clashes are still ongoing in Pul-e-Malan.
“We have tanks and military equipment and will fight against the Taliban with strength,” said Akram Khan, a commando forces commander.
“We are defending our soil. We are not moving forward at this time in order to prevent the civilian casualties," said Abdul Rahim, a commando force member.
Mohammad Ismail Khan, a former mujahideen leader who is also leading the public uprising forces, visited the battlefield.
He assured the public that the security forces will not allow the Taliban to enter the city.
“A small number of Taliban have come to villages near the city of Herat and there is nothing to worry about,” he said, adding that “the security forces and the people's forces are ready to eliminate them and prevent the enemy from advancing. People in Herat should not worry."
Gen. Sayed Merajuddin Sadat, the provincial police chief, said the "Taliban wanted to create fear among the people to prevent us from advancing in the districts.”
“The security forces responded to the Taliban last night and their bodies are on the battlefield. The security forces and the people will fight against the Taliban and will push them back from the city,” said Colonel Abdul Hamid Hamidi, commander of 207 Zafar Corps.
There is no report over possible security forces casualties in the clashes.