3 killed, 12 injured as rival gangs clash in Baghlan

PUL-I-KHUMRI (PAN): A gangland war between two heavily-armed factions lead to the death of three people and a dozen injured in Pul-i-Hesarak district of northern Baghlan province, police said on Saturday.

Police chief Col. Asadullah Shirzad told Pajhwok Afghan News that a violent clash erupted after heated argument between rival gunmen in the morning.

Naeem Mudbir, provincial council head, confirmed the two sides had prior enmity and tribal elders had tried to resolve the conflict to prevent further bloodshed in the area.

Resident Muhammad Jailan said both sides suffered casualties in the firefight and urged the government to take stern action against illegal armed groups.

A similar gang clash in August 2011 left 29 people killed and several wounded in the same area.

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