A dozen militants killed in Zazi Maidan clash

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): A dozen Taliban militants were killed during an early morning clash with security forces and residents in the Zazi Maidan district of southeastern Khsot province on Tuesday, police said.

Zazi Maidan district police chief General Azizullah told Pajhwok Afghan News armed Taliban militants stormed people’s homes in Dera Mela area of the district at about 5am and 12 attackers were killed when residents and police jointly retaliated.

He said the clash was still ongoing and a local uprising member was killed and two others wounded. He said the insurgents were firing rockets from across the border, targeting people’s homes. Azizullah said police targeted a vehicle carrying insurgents and killed all onboard.

He said all points had been captured by security from insurgents in the district except one which would be captured soon.

The insurgents had previously also launched similar attacks on border villages in Zazi Maidan district. In those incidents, both civilians and the insurgents had suffered casualties.

Zazi Maidan borders Pakistan’s semi-autonomous region of Kurram Agency. Its residents are pro-government and keep security of their areas themselves.

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