5 security personnel killed, 8 injured in Kunduz

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Five security personnel have been killed and eight others wounded in a Taliban attack in northern Kunduz province, an official said on Sunday.

Khaliduddin Hakimi, a member of the provincial council, told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants stormed security check-posts in the Pul-i-Kheshti area of Imam Sahib district on Saturday night.

He said five security personnel, including border police and NDS members, were killed and eight others wounded in the overnight assault.

But Mahboobullah Syedi, the district’s administrative chief, told Pajhwok two security forces were killed and two others wounded.

He claimed the militants also suffered heavy casualties, but specific figures were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the Taliban confirmed the clash. The group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the fighters targeted government forces in the Istamin area of the district.

Mujahid added six government forces were killed and eight others wounded. The Taliban suffered no casualties in the gunbattle.

He said a military tank was also destroyed and a large quantity of weapons and ammunition seized by the rebels.

sa/mud