TALUQAN, Afghanistan, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces are going to launch cleanup operations as Taliban fighters have gained ground in the northern Takhar province and reportedly getting ready to storm provincial capital Taluqan city, provincial governor's spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hajari said Wednesday.

According to Hajari, a delegation of defense ministry headed by deputy defense minister General Mohammad Yasin Zia is currently in Taluqan city and considering launching cleanup operations in the area.

However, locals say that Taliban militants have taken positions in Taluqan's neighboring Baharak district and set on fire the house of a pro-government local leader Noor Khan a couple of days ago.

Meanwhile, a parliamentarian from Takhar province Habiba Danesh in talks with local media on Wednesday confirmed that Taliban militants have already gained ground in Khawja Ghar district. She also said that the situation in Baharak and Chah Ab districts is fragile, and many families have left for safer places.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities over the past several months, have not commented yet.