42 rebels, 5 security personnel killed in clashes

QALAT/ KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): At least 42 militants and five security forces have been killed during clashes and an airstrike in southern Zabul and northern Kunduz provinces, officials said on Sunday.

Security officials in Zabul said at least 27 Taliban insurgents were killed as a a result of airstrikes by the Afghan Air Force in Shahr-i-Safa and Shah Joi districts.

Police spokesman Farhad Shinwari told Pajhwok Afghan News that the airstrikes took place after the militants tried to storm security check-posts.

In Kunduz, two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and three policemen were killed in a coordinated militant attack on a joint security base in Qala-i-Zal district.

The district’s administrative chief, Qayyum Qarloq, said 15 militants were killed and 17 others wounded in a clash.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the fighters captured a check-post in the district and killed 10 security personnel.

sa/mud