By Gina Gillespie
Forward Media Team
Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team
GULESTAN, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces, supported by International Security Assistance Force and coalition forces, swept through here during a 72-hour operation that began Friday.
In total, more than 500 soldiers went door to door, searching houses and clearing the region of Taliban who had occupied Gulestan earlier this week. While the operation is still ongoing, Gulestan is now under ANSF control. Although final count has not been confirmed, initial reports indicate heavy Taliban casualties.
"During this operation, our soldiers conducted themselves exceptionally well," said ANA Col. Jabar. "The Taliban took a weak stance. They fought briefly before turning and running."
Gulestan is a mountainous area of Farah province, and the Taliban fled into the mountains to hide said Afghan Gen. Abdul Rahman Sarjang, chief of police.
"Our soldiers are moving forward one step at a time," said Sarjang. "They are conducting this operation in a very professional manner."
During the Taliban occupation of Gulestan, six civilians and one police officer were executed, including relatives of the Gulestan district manager.
The same district center in Gulestan was taken by Taliban last September and held for 10 days before they retreated.