MAIMANA (Pajhwok): At least 73 Taliban insurgents were killed in an airstrike as they ambushed a military convoy exiting Ghormach district of northwestern Faryab province, the military said on Tuesday.
The 380-member strong 209thShaheen Military Corps convoy was heading to Qaisar district from Chormach when attacked by militants in Chaharshanba and Chehilgaz areas at 9:30am Monday.
The Shaheen Military Corps said the attacking militants were targeted by Afghan and NATO air forces, killing more than 70 and wounding 31 others.
The dead included Mullah Sherin Gul, the Taliban’s shadow district chief for Qaisar district and six other commanders — Mullah Shah Wali, Mullah Qayyum, Mullah Ibrahim, Qari Surgul, Mualvi Jan Mohammad and Mualvi Noor Mohammad.
At least four security personnel were killed, seven others wounded and their two military vehicles torched in the battle that lasted two hours.
However, the military convoy reached the military base in Qaisar district at 11:40 Monday without further impediment.
The Taliban also claimed attacking ANA convoys in Chaharshanba, Chehilgazai and Chichektowi areas of Qaisar district.
The group said dozens of security forces suffered casualties and 14 forces were captured alive and tens of military vehicles torched in the attack that left 10 rebel fighters wounded.
sa/ma
Views: 2