KABUL - Officials at the Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported ongoing counter-insurgency operations in 14 provinces this week, estimating the total number of districts facing security threats nationwide to range between 40 and 50.

According to the Defense Ministry, insurgent groups have focused their attacks mostly on the border regions with Pakistan, attempting to gain ground through coordinated offensives. But officials denied militant groups had made much progress in their attempts.

"We don't deny the high amount of threats by anti-government armed forces in many districts," MoD deputy spokesman Dawlat Waziri said on Sunday. "In general, anti-government groups are trying to target border districts with their activities. These efforts can be felt at Kunar, Kandahar, Nuristan, Badakhshan and Helmand provinces."

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said militant activities have been enabled in part because the groups have coalesced in remote areas with little-to-no presence of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). "There are major security threats by anti-government groups in a few districts, but I cannot give a number," MoI spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said. "These threats are mostly in areas and parts with limited ANSF."

In Parliament, however, sentiment among representatives is ostensibly one of more anxiety and concern for the immediate fate of local communities in provinces around the country.

"The government and its leaders are busy with their discussions, while the country is in a bad condition," Senator Nesar Haris said on Sunday. "We criticize insecurities every day and there is no one to pay attention," he added.

"In reality, the country is in a bad condition security wise; there is no place where it could be safe," Senate Deputy Muhammad Alam Izadyar said. "There were a few safe provinces that have been insecure lately."

While anti-government groups first launched their offensive this year in the northern provinces of Afghanistan, based on recent reports, their attacks have shifted focus to Kandahar, Uruzgan, Nangarhar, Helmand and Herat provinces.

A number of security officials - who have spoken on terms of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of their claims - have confirmed to TOLOnews that the Afghan security forces recently began conducting night operations to eliminate insurgents. (Tolonews)