Dangam residents seek air support against rebels

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Insurgents have suffered heavy casualties in the Dangam district of eastern Kunar province after as a result of an uprising from residents, officials said on Monday.

The residents of Dangam, spearheading the uprising, asked the government for air support. The fighting erupted after insurgents attacked the locals some days earlier.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Habib Sayed Khail, the police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News some 2,000 militants launched attacks on Dangam district and faced fierce resistance from locals.

Security forces had also joined the locals in the ongoing fighting, he said, adding 18 militants had been killed and 28 others been wounded so far. Pakistani fighters are allegedly also involved in the fighting.

Haji Muzamil, an elder, said residents had defended their outposts and had driven the insurgents from some areas. Yhe government should send air support, he demanded.

“We have used all in our power to fight the enemy, but if we don’t get assistance in time, then we would face difficulties.” Muzamil added security forces were slow to get to the area because of landmines.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, said that group had overrun some security outposts and had inflicted casualties on Afghan forces.

hg/mud