Security forces, Taliban suffer casualties in Zabul clash

QALAT (Pajhwok): Five policemen have been killed and seven others injured in a Taliban attack in Surai district of southern Zabul province, a well-placed source said on Thursday.

The armed rebels also damaged some police equipment before they were forced to retreat after suffering many casualties, the source said.

Meanwhile, the governor’s spokesman, Gul Islam, confirmed the clash and claimed both the sides suffered casualties. He said the provincial police chief had reached the district where the situation had returned to normalcy.

A resident of the locality, wishing anonymity, claimed the Taliban had been hiding in nearby districts and preparing for the attack on the district centre.

The Taliban, however, claimed capturing the Surai district and promised to provide details in this regard later.

nh/ma