Janikhel rocked by clashes amid conflicting casualty claims

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Taliban and security officials on Tuesday claimed inflicting heavy casualties on each other during fierce clashes in the Janikhel district of southeastern Paktia province.

Provincial police spokesman Sardar Wali Tabasum told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants attacked three check-posts in the district but faced strong resistance from the forces late on Monday night.

He said four security personnel and 21 insurgents were killed in the ensuing battles. Six security men and several rebels were wounded during the firefights.

Meanwhile, the Taliban also confirmed the clashes. Zabihullah Mujahid, the group’s spokesman, said the fighters had captured Janikhel district -- a claim spurned by Tabasum.

He claimed about 30 security personnel were killed and several weapons seized during the clash that left one rebel dead and three others wounded.

sa/mud