22 insurgents eliminated in Kunar clash

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): At least 22 militants were killed as security forces repulsed an attack in eastern Kunar province, bordering Pakistan’s tribal region of Bajaur, an official claimed on Thursday.

The insurgents encountered a strong reaction from the soldiers after they stormed Afghan National Army (ANA) posts in the Jalala area of Ghaziabad district, the provincial police head said.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Hasib Syedkhel told Pajhwok Afghan News two Taliban commanders Hakimullah and Din Mohammad were among the dead. Another seven fighters were wounded in the clash that ended at 8pm.

In the southeastern zone, the Afghan forces launched a massive operation codenamed Zulfiqar to clear six provinces of rebels, a spokesman for the 203^rd ANA Corps said. 

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Sharif Yaftali said the offensive featuring Afghan security forces was underway in Paktia, Logar, Paktika, Khost, Ghazni and Maidan Wardak provinces.

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