8 militants, one civilian killed in Qaisar clashes

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): At least eight militant and a civilian were killed and three others wounded in separate clashes in the Qaisar district of northwestern Faryab, an official said on Saturday.

A gunbattle erupted early this morning when around 100 insurgents attacked Shakh Bazaar, Abdul Jamil Saddiqui, the district’s administrative chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Six militants were killed in the firefight.

Heavy gunfire was under way between security forces and rebels, he said, adding that militants from different areas of the province were taking part in the battle led by Maulvi shadow governor for Faryab province.

Separately, two rebels and a civilian were killed in overnight clash with security forces on the outskirt of Shakh Bazaar, Sidiqui said. One woman was killed another one, including a child and a man, were wounded when a mortar fired by militants hit their house in the area. 

However, Taliban Spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi claimed killing of five security personnel and injuring six other in clashes.

Shakh bazaar is located 15 kilometres away from the district headquarters. As many as 3,000 families live in the area.

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