7 insurgents killed in Sherzad offensive

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): A clearing offensive by Afghan security forces in the Sherzad district of eastern Nangarhar came to an end with the killing of seven insurgents, including the Taliban-designated district chief, an army spokesman said on Sunday.

Col. Nauman Hatfi, spokesman for the 201^st Sailab Corps, told Pajhwok Afghan News the operation featuring Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP), focussed on parts of the district. It concluded today with the killing of seven fighters.

Noor Alam, Taliban’s chief for the district, was among the dead, he said, adding scores of militants were injured. Sra Khawra, Syedkhel, Hangarkhel and Janikhel localities were purged of militants, he claimed. In addition, 25 insurgents had been nabbed.

Maj. Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, police spokesman, confirmed the killing of eight militants and their commander and injuries to a number of other rebels.

Fazal Rabi, a resident of the district, said Afghan forces had arrested a number of suspects. However, the Taliban acknowledged the killing of only four insurgents and denied the death of Noor Alam.

rm/mud