168 rebels dead in Zabul operations: ANA

QALAT (Pajhwok): At least 168 insurgents have been killed during the last eight months of anti-militants offensives by the Afghan National Army (ANA) in southern Zabul province, officials said on Saturday.

Col. Wali Muhammad Ahmadzai, commander of the 205th Atal Corps, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the operations were carried out in almost all districts to purge the province of rebels.

Another 164 Taliban, including some commanders, were wounded and 25 more detained, he added. A large number of weapons, explosives and motorbikes were recovered by the security forces.

He acknowledged many ANA soldiers were also killed and wounded during the operations. The soldiers suffered casualties mostly in roadside bombings.

He said coordination among different departments and districts was needed to improve law and order. In addition, security organs needed strong support from locals, he concluded.

rm/mud