HERAT, Afghanistan (1 August) – Operation ‘Sob Bakhair’ (good morning, in dari language) has entered a new stage since last April. Its aim is to expand the security bubble in place around Bala Murghab (northern Badghis Province), in order to progressively include an increasing number of villages, which had been abandoned by their inhabitants for fear of the insurgents. The operation requires boots on the ground and time, to achieve steady progress.
