Government forces have pulled out of Musa Qala district of Helmand province after months of fierce fighting, a security official said on Saturday.
"The forces finally retreated from Musa Qala district Friday night," Xinhua quoted the official as saying.
However, the official did not provide more details, saying authorised officials would brief the media.
The strategically important Musa Qala district, if captured by Taliban, would enable them to threaten government interests in Sangin and Gereshk districts.
Taliban militants, fighting for the control of the district in the restive and poppy growing Helmand province, were yet to comment on it.
