Civilians among 26 dead in Nuristan clash

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Armed insurgents attacked Afghan Local Police (ALP) posts in the Barg-i-Matal district of eastern Nuristan province, sparking a fierce gun-battle that left 26 people dead, the governor said on Friday.

Hafiz Abdul Qayum told Pajhwok Afghan News the attack involving hundreds of insurgents took place in the Pacheragam area a day earlier.

Fifteen Taliban fighters, seven civilians and four ALP members were killed during the incident, he said.

But a Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed 10 policemen were killed in the attack that resulted into the seizure of 40 weapons. He confirmed the death of only one fighter.

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