It's not about the environment. It's about the tempo[ToloNews] Defense Minister Masoom Stanikzai has issued an order authorizing Afghan security forces to increase the number of night raids against homes of suspected Taliban insurgents and other militants.
Stanikzai also asked Afghan forces to take firm action against border violations and to defend the nation against threats without hesitation.
The minister's remarks come just days after reports surfaced that Afghanistan's eastern border regions have once again come under rocket attack from outside the country.
The move also comes as Taliban forces continue to pose major challenges to embattled Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in various regions of the country, in their bid to gain territory and strategic towns.
Following the end of the U.S combat mission in Afghanistan, the security situation has sharply deteriorated on the back of intensified attacks by the Taliban against Afghan forces. The sharp increase has shown no signs of abating.
"Presently the question is why are these wars fought in Zabul and Shindand and Badghis where only Afghan civilians are killed. What are the intentions behind these wars? If these wars are aimed at seizing power or fighting for the slavery of others, then it must be kept in mind that the people of Afghanistan are fully aware of these conspiracies," said Stanikzai.
Government's new shift also reflects growing concern among the residents in eastern regions of the country following cross-border firing.
"Sometimes we hear that a certain area was targeted and that a violation was committed in an area, our duty is to defend the country and our borders in line with our available resources and capabilities. For this, you (soldiers) do not need to ask permission while you are on duty, our task is to defend the country anytime and in any circumstance, whenever you see a violation, then retaliate," he added.
Meanwhile, Dawlat Waziri, a defense ministry spokesman said: "A major seminar was held at the ministry of defense and a decision was made to target the opponent wherever they operate from."
But security experts have called for firm action to be taken against the insurgent group.
"Ongoing efforts aren't enough to obliterate the enemy. More inclusive and stronger measures are needed for this purpose including nighttime operations," military expert Baz Mohammad Anwari said.
This comes at a time that the Afghan army continues military operations against militants in 14 provinces. Night raids have however been an effective way to eliminate militants.