MAIMANA (Pajhwok): At least 23 Taliban militants, including two notorious commanders, have been killed during a fierce clash in northwestern Faryab province, an official said on Sunday.
The clash erupted two days ago when a convoy of 100 tank and vehicles was carrying supplies for the units involved in a clearing operation. The security personnel came under attack in Dawlatabad, Sherin Tagab and Khawaja Sabzposh districts.
Abdullah Masomi, administrative chief for Khawaja Sabzposh district, said dreaded insurgent commanders Rahimdad and Makhdum were among those killed. Several other fighters were wounded during the clash involving artillery shelling.
A local source revealed that Abdul Shakoor Arab, who had assassinated Maulvi Sadiq Naseh three years ago in Khawaja Sabzposh, was also killed in an airstrike along with a local singer as the injured militants were being evacuated from the site.
He believed security forces and civilians might have suffered casualties during the battle, which left eight tanks and military vehicles destroyed and some houses damaged.
Rahimdad was an infamous Taliban commander in Faryab. Earlier in the year, he had surrendered along with 65 fighters during an offensive led by Vice-President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum in Khawaja Sabzposh. But due to government negligence, he rejoined the Taliban.
An Afghan National Army official, who did not want to be named, confirmed the heavy clash between Taliban and security forces. He verified six military tanks and two Humavee vehicles had been captured by the rebels.
He said dozens of militants suffered casualties during the clash. However, he did not commented on security forces' casualties. The Taliban are yet to comment on the battle.
sa/mud
