Militants killed, abducted infant rescued

KUNDUZ CITY/SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Ten rebels, including a notorious commander, have been killed and five others wounded during a clash in northern Kunduz province, an official said on Monday.

The clash took place during a clearing operation in Chahar Dara district, police spokesman Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Pajhwok Afghan News.  Four roadside bombs were defused by police.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed killing six Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and injuring four others during clashes in the area.

Several families have left their homes as a result of the military offensive in Chahar Dara and sought refuge in Kunduz City and adjourning areas.

Elsewhere, police recovered an abducted infant in northern Jawzjan province and detained two women in connection with the incident, said the crime branch chief, Col Abdul Malik Mamnoon.

The 18 months old was kidnapped a week ago from Murghab village and sold for 20,000 afs to Zarmina in Arabkhana village of Shiberghan. 

Mamnoon said police had launched an investigation soon after a complaint was filed by the child’s family. Khadija and Zarmina were detained in this connection.

nh/mud