20 Taliban eliminated in Paktika, Helmand clashes

LASHKARGAH/SHARAN (Pajhwok): At least 20 militants have been killed in clashes with security personnel in Paktika and Helmand provinces, officials said on Monday.

Zamir Khpalwak, the Paktika governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban attacked a police patrol in the Mamoorkhel area of Khushamand district on Sunday night.   

In return fire from police, nine attackers including Taliban commander Zamir Wafadar were killed, he said, adding a policeman was wounded in the incident.

In Janikhel district, the militants wanted to plant roadside bombs but police killed three of them and wounded a fourth during an intelligence-based operation.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed two policemen were killed and one wounded in the Khushamand firefight. Only one fighter was lost, he insisted. 

In the Washer district of Helmand, eight fighters were killed and six others injured during an engagement with the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Lt. Col. Mohammad Rasool Zazai, spokesman for the 2015^th Maiwand Military Corps, said 50 militants assaulted the 4^th brigade last night. The attackers suffered the casualties in the ensuing firefight. 

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