Taliban militants recapture 7 Jawzjan villages

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Taliban militants recaptured seven villages after fierce clashes with security forces and uprising members in Faizabad district of northern Jawzjan province, sources said on Friday.

The clashes broke out on Thursday afternoon in Shesha Khana Turkmena and Girjak villages, an uprising force commander in the area told Pajhwok but declined to be identified.

Talking to Pajhwok on Thursday evening, the commander said as the clashes intensified, the security forces retreated and allowed the Taliban to capture Shesha Khana Arabia, Shesha Khana Turkmenia, Shesha Khana Uzbekia, Shesha Khana Afghania, Girjak, Sheikhabad and Khairabad villages.

Security forces had captured the same villages from the Taliban about four days ago.

The Jawzjan governor’s spokesman, Mohammad Raza Ghafori, confirmed the Taliban had captured seven villages in Faizabad district.

He told Pajhwok that clashes between security forces and the rebels were still ongoing in the area and that security forces were trying wrest back the captured villages.

Jawzjan police chief Brig. Gen. Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani said additional security forces had been sent to the district and an operation from the side of Balkh province had also been initiated.

He said so far two uprising members had been wounded in the clash. He said the Taliban also suffered casualties but exact figures were not immediately available.

The Taliban have so far said nothing in this regard.

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