NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan officials in Achin district confirmed the deaths of five Taliban insurgents during a firefight with Afghan National Army special forces Dec. 6.
ANASF were clearing a local village of insurgents when several groups of heavily armed fighters attacked the soldiers using mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and machinegun and rifle fire.
“The people are rising up and Taliban are rapidly seeing a decrease in power so they are getting desperate,” said provincial police Chief Sherzaid.
ANASF overpowered the enemy fighters killing five insurgents and injuring one.
Afghan Special Forces also discovered a weapons cache of rocket-propelled grenades, assault rifles, and communication equipment.
The operation comes after District Gov. Said Rahim promised to increase ANSF presence in the district during a shura.
“[The Taliban] are scared that the people are supporting the Afghan government,” said Rahim. They are afraid of losing control of the area, he added.