afghan forces

The Afghan Defense Ministry said on Monday that the army had captured one of the most wanted Taliban local leader, after a special overnight operation in the Southern province of Kandahar.

The ministry said in a statement that Afghan National Army’s Special Operation Force members captured Mullah Khalifa, Taliban fugitive leader, along with one of his comrades during the special night raid operation on Sunday.

It said the arrest of the wanted man would further ensure security in the province of Kandahar city.

The statement noted that the province, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.

It said the Afghan security forces had beefed up security operations against militants since Tuesday after the Taliban started their so-called annual spring offensive code named: “Operation Omari” and stepped up attacks across the country.