Drone strikes in east leave 8 rebels dead

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Eight militants, including key commanders, have been killed in two separate US drone strikes in Wantwaigal district of eastern Nuristan province and Ghanikhelu district of eastern Nangarhar provinces, the governor and an official said Monday.

Hafiz Abdul Qayyum told Pajhwok Afghan News the missile strike took place in Maindesh locality of the district late Sunday evening. The missile targeted a Taliban hideout, he added.

However, civilians did not suffer any casualties in the attack. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed three insurgents had been killed in the attack.  

In Nangarhar, Maj. Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal, police spokesman, said that four rebels, including a leading commander, had been killed in drone attack in Ghanikhelu district late Sunday evening.

The attack, he said took place in Pach area of the district. The slain militants were involved in carrying out sabotage acts and attacking security forces in the area.

He said the militants were planting roadside bombs when they came under missile attack.

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