18 militants killed in Logar offensive

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Local officials say 20 Taliban rebels were killed in Mohammad Agha district of central Logar province, while Taliban say the people killed were civilians.

Noor Mohammad Obaidi, chief of Mohammad Agha district told Pajhwok Afghan News that a number of Taliban militants including the group’s local commander, Zabihullah aka Ekram were killed during a ground and air operation in the district late on Thursday.

He said that the rebels gathered in a building in Aabparan area of the district came under air and ground attacks and an Afghan soldier was also killed in the offensive.

However, he did not provide information about the exact number of rebels killed in the incident.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), claimed 18 Taliban insurgents were killed and four others wounded in the operation.

The ministry in a statement said three Kalashnikovs and some ammunition were also seized from Taliban during the battle.

Abasin, a resident of the area said that Taliban suffered casualties during the operation, but he had no exact figures.

Taliban, however, said that the operation targeted a mosque in the area and those killed were civilians.

He said more details about the incident would be shared later.

mds