Government forces have launched a large-scale military operation against the Taliban following a coordinated attack by the group on security outposts in Gereshk district in Helmand province on Thursday, officials said on Friday.

Some areas were retaken from the Taliban during the operation, a police official told TOLOnews.

“In the past one year, the enemy has masterminded big plots on Gereshk and yesterday they started implementing their plans. Our security forces have defeated them and they will not mention Gereshk’sname in their meetings anymore,” said Ismail Khpulwak, the police chief of the district.

Gereshk residents said they are afraid of possible civilian casualties in the ongoing war.

“Taliban have left here, but some of their ammunition have remained. Some civilians have returned to their homes,” said Abdul Khaliq, member of a social council in the district.

“Gereshk is an important, strategic and populated district in (Helmand) province and people are really worried (about their safety),” Abdul Wali, resident of Gereshk, said.

Taliban has claimed that they have advanced in recent battles in Helmand.

The group has also claimed that government forces have suffered heavy casualties.

Local officials have meanwhile rejected the Taliban’s claims, calling them “baseless”.