8 rebels dead in clashes with villagers

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Backed by dozens of Pakistani rebels, Taliban are fighting against residents of Dangam district of eastern Kunar province, the police chief said on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Habib Sayedkhel told Pajhwok Afghan News Afghan and Pakistani insurgents launched attack all in the residents of Shinkai locality of the district at 7:00am.

Eights militants were killed and 18 others, including two members of local peace committee, wounded in the firefight, he added.

Security forces, he said, had arrived in the area and mounted attacks on militant positions. The villagers have decided not to allow insurgents to enter their area after withdrawal of foreign forces.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the militants were fighting the security forces in Dangam. He added three soldiers had been killed so far.

rm/mud