Local officials in northern Kunduz said on Friday that insurgents still control 40 percent of Imam Sahib district in the province.Up to 1,500 insurgents along with 200 foreign militants, many of whom are involved in bomb making processes, still operate in the area and fight security forces, local officials said on Friday.
"Those who plan suicide bombings, explosions and make mines are the foreigners, including Tajik engineers who design the mines and conduct explosions," said Imam Sahib district governor Imamuddin Quraishi.
Residents in the center of Imam Sahib district have said however that the security situation has improved recently.
"Security exists inside the district center, but outside, there is security forces but also the enemy," a resident of Imam Sahib, Haji Khanzada said.
"War between the two sides has had a major impact on businesses and poor people, the economy declines day by day," another resident Lailuma said.
Located in the northern part of Kunduz province, Imam Sahib district has been the hub of insurgency in recent times. The district shares a common border with Tajikistan.
According to local security officials, the majority of foreign militants fighting against security forces in the area are Tajik militants.