7 Taliban killed, 13 wounded in Sar-i-Pul clashes

SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): Seven Taliban gunmen were killed and 13 others wounded after they stormed security posts in Sancharak district of northern Sar-i-Pul province last night, an official said on Saturday, but the rebels rejected the claim.

The provincial governor’s spokesman, Zabihullah Amani, said the rebels attacked security posts in Topkhana, Gaju and Masjid Sabz areas last night. In the ensuing clashes, seven attackers were killed and 13 others wounded. He  said one local police official, Rahmatullah, was also killed.

A member of the provincial council, Asadullah Kurram, said the Taliban attacked the security posts in the mentioned areas from three directions. He also said the attackers suffered heavy casualties in retaliatory attacks before fleeing.

But the Taliban said only one fighter was killed and a second wounded in last night clashes with security forces. Without giving details, the rebels claimed security forces were caused heavy casualties.

Pajhwok tried to contact local residents for comment about casualties in the clashes, but no contact could be established.

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