Govt forces recapture most areas of Dasht-i-Archi

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Most areas of Dasht-i-Archi district of northern Kunduz province have been recaptured from Taliban insurgents during an Afghan forces operation, with the rebels sustaining heavy casualties, officials said Sunday.

A day earlier, some officials in Dasht-i-Archi district told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Taliban wrested control of all government facilities in the district, but the interior and defence ministries later denied the claim and said the district was under control of security forces.

However, the 207th Pamir Military Corps in a statement said that a large-scale operation was launched in Dashti Archi district on Monday night, during which many areas were recaptured from the Taliban.

“The operation is still underway and dozens of Taliban fighters have so far been killed and wounded,” the military said.

Deputy spokesman for the corps, Hadi Jamal, said that 40 Taliban militants had been killed and 15 others wounded during the operation.

“The operation is mostly supported by air forces, so our soldiers remained unhurt, only three commandos were slightly wounded,” he said.

On the other hand, Dashti Archi district chief Nabi Kakar said that the district had been under Taliban’s control for just one night.

He said security forces conducted an operation on Monday night and recaptured the district from insurgents. He also claimed that around 40 Taliban rebels suffered casualties in the operation.

“Security forces are still fighting, they have recaptured many areas and will capture the remaining parts of the district,” he said.

But Noorullah, a resident of the district, said that security forces only were in control the district centre and the police headquarters and all other areas were still under Taliban’s control.

The Taliban have not yet commented on the battles in Dasht-i-Archi district.

Dasht-i-Archi is one of the most insecure districts in Kunduz province, where Taliban and Afghan forces often engage in violent clashes.

mds/ma

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