Afghan National Army soldiers prepare to move out following an inspection of troops at the Regional Military Training Center at Tactical Base Gamberi, Afghanistan, on July 30, 2015. JARROD MORRIS/U.S. ARMY
Late on August 4, Afghan security forces thwarted seven attacks by the Taliban on the northwestern city of Herat, according to the governor of Herat province.
The governor, Abdul Saboor Qani, said that Taliban fighters attacked districts 2, 3, 10 and 11 of Herat city. More than 100 attackers were killed in airstrikes carried out by the Afghan Air Force, per Qani.
Despite failing to enter the city, Taliban fighters managed to inflict some losses. Wahid Ahmad Kohistani, police chief for Herat’s District 10, and two security force members were reportedly killed.
The Taliban have been attempting to storm Herat for more than eight days now. Nevertheless, the Afghan army, security forces and popular resistance, led by former warlord “Lion of Herat” Mohammad Ismail Khan, are holding onto the city and showing fierce resistance.
In a recent statement, the Lion of Herat claimed that the attack on the city is being “led by Pakistan,” urging the locals to join the fight against the Taliban.
“I want to make it clear that the war in Herat is a war between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the TOLO News quoted the local Amir as saying. “This is not the Taliban’s war and the Taliban is a tool. Just as the Afghan people did not accept the dominance of the United States, Russia and other superpowers, they should not accept Pakistani dominance either.”
The Taliban sustained heavy losses while attempting to capture Herat. Yet, the group appears to be determined to go on with its attack on the city.
The battle of Herat proved that Afghan government forces, when supported by locals, have the means to stop the Taliban. With either side capable of canceling the other, Afghanistan will likely experience a violent civil war once all US forces are out.
