MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Local officials in northwestern Faryab province acknowledged on Wednesday the Taliban had captured a strategic area in Balcharagh district, forcing the security personnel to beat a retreat.
Police spokesman Abdul Karim Yourish told Pajhwok Afghan News the security forces retreated after launching a clearing operation in Aqbalaq locality, where Daesh commander Qari Hikmatullah and his loyalists attacked them.
The security forces had moved back to avoid casualties, the police spokesman said, claiming the militants suffered heavy losses in the overnight clash. “Gunship helicopters hit militan . . .
