Soldiers among 18 killed in Kunar clashes

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Three Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and 15 insurgents were killed and 17 others wounded during clashes in eastern Kunar province on Saturday, an official said.

The gunbattles erupted in the morning when the Taliban fighters mounted attacks on 12 security check-posts in Manogai and Chapa Dara districts, Governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The bodies of seven insurgent were still lying at the battle scene after security forces repulsed the attack involving 250 rebels. Four ANA soldiers were wounded during the clashes, he added.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed killing nine soldiers and injuring eight others.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the killing of three soldiers during clashes across the country.

nh/rm/mud