KABUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) — Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani reviewed security situation in southern Helmand province on Wednesday, according to a statement released by the Presidential Palace.

The president, through video conference with security officials in the province, also received reports on the security situation there.

The president instructed defense and interior ministers to ensure coordination among security organs, the statement said.

The Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints in Musa Qala district of Helmand province Wednesday, while sporadic fighting has been continuing in Khanshin and Sangin districts over the past months.

Notorious for growing poppy and militancy, Helmand has been regarded as Taliban’s hotbed in conflict-ridden Afghanistan.