23 rebels killed in Ghormach airstrike, official claims

QALA-I-NAW (Pajhwok): At least 23 Taliban insurgents, including a shadow district chief, were killed as a result of an airstrike in northwestern Faryab province, an official claimed on Tuesday.

Badghis governor’s spokesman Jamshid Shahabi said 23 militants from difference areas of Badghis were killed during the Afghan Air Force airstrike in Ghormach late on Monday.

He said Taliban’s chief for Abgarmi district Mullah Esmatullah and three commanders -- Mullah Sardar, Mullah Hayat and Mullah Naeem -- were among the dead.

The insurgents had gone to Ghormach to attack an Afghan National Army base there, he added.

But the militants said one girl was killed and residents suffered financial losses as a result of the airstrike. The Taliban also claimed the fighters attacked ANA convoys in Chaharshanba, Chehilgazai and Chichektowi areas of Qaisar district.

The group said dozens of security forces suffered casualties, 14 were captured alive and tens of military vehicles torched. It confirmed injuries to 10 rebels during the raid.

sa/mud