Taliban-designated chief for Sangin killed

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): A Taliban-designated district chief for Sangin district of southern Helmand province was among 20 insurgents killed during an ongoing security operation in the troubled town, an official said on Wednesday.

The governor’s spokesman, Omar Zwak, identified the slain Sangin shadow governor as Mullah Nasir, who was killed by security forces. He said another 20 rebels were killed during the operation and areas including Sarwan Qala, Marasta Bakzi, Nasooz and others had been cleared of landmines.

One policeman was killed and four others, including an Afghan National Army soldier, were injured during the offensive, the official said, adding the operation was ongoing.

Zwak said families, who fled the clashes between security forces and insurgents, had returned to their homes amid improving security situation.

Meanwhile, the provincial police headquarters in a statement said a police vehicle was targeted in a remotely-controlled roadside bomb blast in Lashkargah, the provincial capital, but there were no casualties.

The police van was crossing an Eid Mela (fair) venue when the blast occurred, the statement said.

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