PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) — Afghan security forces launched massive operations against the Taliban bastion in Dand-e-Ghori district of the northern Baghlan province on Tuesday, provincial governor Abdul Sattar Bariz said.

“The joint forces of national army, police and national directorate for security launched massive offensive against the Taliban bastion early today to ensure lasting peace across Baghlan,” Bariz told reporters.

Meantime, deputy of Baghlan police chief, Abdul Rashid Bashir, told Xinhua the massive crackdown on the main Taliban bastion, which started at 06:00 a.m. local time, is going on smoothly.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

Local elders with the approval of some officials inked a ceasefire with the Taliban in Dand-e-Ghori district in the outskirts of provincial capital Pul-e-Khumri about five months ago.

However, the majority of residents in Dand-e-Ghori and adjoining areas have complained of Taliban harsh policies imposed on people, demanding the government wipe out the armed militants from the area.