4 civilians dead in Helmand roadside bombing

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): At least four people were killed on Tuesday when a civilian vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southern Helmand province, an official said on Tuesday.

Separately, 15 militants were killed and five others detained in a US airstrike during a joint operation in the Sangin district of the same province.

Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the roadside bombing took place in the Khwaja Baba area of Nawa district at around 10am.

He said four people were killed and a fifth wounded as their vehicle hit the roadside bomb.

Omar Omari, the district’s administrative chief, said the victims hailed from Garmser district. They were heading to Lashkargah when their vehicle hit the bomb.

He alleged the bomb had been planted by the Taliban insurgents. Emergency Hospital workers told Pajhwok two of the injured had been brought to the hospital from the site.

Separately, at least 15 fighters were killed and five others detained during a joint operation by Afghan and US forces in Sangin district late on Monday night.

Spokesman for 115th Maiwand Military Corps Maj. Abdul Qader Bahadurzai said three walkie-talkies, 10 mobile phone sets, one laptop and some ammunition were seized by the security forces.

Taliban have made no comment in this regard so far.

sa/mud