KABUL - The first vice-president General Abdul Rashid Dostum has promised to root out terrorism from southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

In an online statement which was issued following a deadly incident in Sangin district, Gen. Dostum promised to secure Helmand province after clearing terrorism from northern parts of the country.

At least 26 people were killed after a mortar round hit a wedding party in Sangin district on Wednesday night during clashes between the Afghan security forces and Taliban militants.

Two soldiers of the Afghan National Army (ANA) forces are to be court-martialed in connection to the incident.

Gen. Dostum is currently visiting the northern provinces of Afghanistan as part of the government’s reconciliation process.

Around 300 militants have so far renounced violence and surrendered to government in northern Jawzjan province.

Gen. Dostum has called on Taliban militants to join peace process or face a tough crackdown which would be implemented by 20,000 special forces.

According to Gen. Dostum, clearing operations would be launched in northern Kunduz and eastern Kunar province against the Taliban militants if peace efforts did not yield any result. (KP)