2 militants killed, huge narcotics cache seized

MAIMANA/ZARANG (PAJHWOK): Two militants were killed and some others injured in northwestern Faryab province, official said on Wednesday.

Sultan Sanjar, Andkhoi district administrative chief, said Taliban and security forces locked in intense gun battle when the former were planning to block the vital Andkhoi-Jawzjan Highway last night. The ensuing gunfight left two insurgents dead, he confirmed.  

Col. Ali Muhammad, commander of border police in Faryab said a policeman was injured in the firefight. He said police recovered two machine guns, three motorbikes and seized other weaponry from the militants.

Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.

In another operation, police claimed recovering 90 kilograms of narcotics in the southwestern Nimroz province.

Col. Amanullah, commander of Afghan National Army (ANA) in Nimroz, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces also recovered some ammunition and impounded a car being used by militants during operation in Dihmazang locality of Khashrod district.

He said police arrested two suspects during the offensive. Brig. Gen Muhammad Qasim Jangalbagh, police chief, said his forces recovered 82 kilograms of heroin and more than five kilograms of opium. The contraband, he said was being smuggled to Iran.

sam/rm