32 security forces killed, 37 wounded in Helmand assault

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): At least 32 security forces were killed and another 37 wounded after a group of Taliban militants attacked their posts in the Sangin district of southern Helmand province last night, officials said Sunday.

A reliable government source in Helmand told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants stormed the security check-posts in Shakar Shili locality of the district late Saturday night.

In the ensuing clash, he said, at least 26 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, six policemen and one intelligence officials were and 29 others ANA soldiers, three police and as many the spy-network officials were wounded.

He said the security forces had newly been dispatched to the area and they were unfamiliar with the geography. The Taliban militants also took away their weapons.

However, Hasham Alokozai, a Meshrano Jirga men and seven policemen dead and 38 others ANA soldiers wounded.

Meanwhile, Omar Zwak, the governor’s spokesman, confirmed the incident but did not share the exact figures of causalities.

Meanwhile, 215^th Maiwand Military Corps commander Maj. Gen. Abdul Hadi Tarin also confirmed the incident and said a delegation had been dispatched to the area and further information would be shared with the media later.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi claimed the fighters killed 52 ANA soldiers and wounded 11 others and seized a number of their weapons in the Sangin district.

pk/ma

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