15 Taliban killed in Kunduz, Badakhshan offensives

KUNDUZ CITY/FIAZABAD (Pajhwok): At least 15 militants, including foreigners, have been killed and 10 others wounded during operations in northern Kunduz and Badakhshan provinces, official said Wednesday.

Kunduz police chief, Brig. Gen. Qasim Jangalbagh, told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents suffered the casualties during an overnight operation in Hazrat Sultan area on the outskirts of Kunduz City.

He said three security personnel were also injured in the operation. Seventeen suspects were arrested and three villages cleared as a result of the operation conducted by Afghan National Army (ANA) troops and police.

Hazrat Sultan area, located eight kilometers from Kunduz City, has been under Taliban control for the past one year.

On the other hand, police detained six militants including two Tajikistanis in an ambush in Kufab district of Badakhshan province.

Deputy police chief, Col. Mohammad Nabi, said one of the two Tajikistanis injured by security forces succumbed to his wounds while attempting to swim across Amo River.Four weapons were recovered from the militants.

Meanwhile, Bamyan GovernorAbdur Rahman Ahmadisaid that a Taliban commander, named Mullah Basir, was detained in the Kahmard district of the province on Tuesday night.

“Mullah Basir, a supporter of Mullah Haibatullah, was involved in most of attacks in Baghlan, Kunduz and Bamyan provinces,” he claimed, accusing the commander of planning to launch attacks during the Eid festival.

mds/mud