7 rebels killed in attacks

KHOST CITY (PAN): Seven militants, including four mine planters, were killed and another injured during separate clashes in southeastern Khost and central Logar provinces, officials said on Monday.

The skirmish happened on Sunday night in the Borikhel area of Garbuz district where foreign troops launched air strike against the rebels, Brig. Gen. Sardar Mohammad Zazai, the provincial police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said bodies of those who were planning to set up the roadside mines against Afghan and foreign forces were handed over to security personnel, and the wounded rebel was taken away by NATO soldiers.

The rebels’ identity was yet to be established but an investigation was underway, the police chief added.

Elsewhere, three Taliban fighters were killed and two members of a family injured during a conflict between both the parties in central Logar province, an official said.

Brig. Gen. Ghulam Sakhi Rogh Lewani, the provincial police chief said the incident happened this morning in the Surkhab area of Mohammad Agha district, when Taliban entered an official’s residence to arrest a family member.

Col. Raeed Khan, deputy police chief, said the rebels entered a public order police officer’s house after a confrontation with his family member, adding the police officer and his wife were injured in the clash and were rushed to hospital.

Meanwhile, militants’ weapons depot was unearthed in the Khoshi district of the same province, said the police chief, adding that 15 anti-personnel mines, 10 anti-vehicle mines, five mortar shells, 10 missile shells and some wire and remotes used in bombs were seized by the security personnel.

Mrh/vp