Hundreds of families displaced as heavy fighting rages in Farah

FARAH (Pajhwok): At least 12 militants have been killed and hundreds of families displaced by ongoing clashes between security forces and Taliban in the Pushtrod district of western Farah Province, an official said on Tuesday.

The governor’s spokesman, Mohammad Nasir Mehri, told Pajhwok Afghan News the clashes erupted late on Monday in Dukan wa Chik and Charmas villages. Security forces have air support, with more commando reinforcements on the way to the embattled areas.

Ghausuddin,the district’sadministrative head, said more than 500Taliban were fighting against the security personnel. He expressed concern about local residents, who fled their homes due to the fighting.

Ghulam Rasoul, a member of the youth council who arrived in Farah City with his family, said the Taliban attacked their village on Sunday and told people to leave their homes, as the rebels planned attackson security forces.

He confirmed hundreds of families displaced from Chik and Chaharmas villages as a result of the battle were currently staying in Farah City -- the provincial capital.

nh/mud