Afghan reinforcements sent to Helmand province to face Taliban

The Afghan government has sent reinforcements to the besieged southern district of Helmand province after Taliban militants captured large parts of the area in recent days.

Fighting continues as army and police arrive to help security forces after days of clashes.

The Taliban militants began their advance on the Sangin district Sunday, after storming government buildings and capturing the administrative center.

Afghanistan’s acting defense minister, Masoom Stanekzai, says he is hopeful that the government strategy will prevent another district from falling into insurgent hands.

“Exactly what we want is more enablers. If I have my own jets, helicopters and more air support, I think Afghans are able to defend their country much better.”

“I think it is not a simple fight. It is a big war of all kind of terrorist organizations. They are operating hand in hand with all the equipment they have but it doesn’t mean that our military forces are giving up.”

Sangin is a major poppy-producing district in the Afghan region and a traditional Taliban heartland.