19 security men, 52 Taliban killed in Paktia clash

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): Nineteen security personnel and 52 Taliban militants have been killed during a clash in southeastern Paktia province, the governor said on Monday.

Governor Mohammad HalimFidaee said the Taliban attacked a huge military base in the Karkin locality of Mirzakai district but security forces put up a strong resistance and inflicted casualties on the Taliban.

The Taliban suffered massive losses on Sunday night when 40 Taliban were killed and wounded in Mirzadai district while 12 others were killed and injured in Zurmat district, he said.

The governor, who chaired a high level security meeting at the governor’s house, did not provide information about security forces casualties.

Provincial Council Head Abdul Malik Zazai said heavy fighting took place between security forces and the Taliban in Mirzakai district in which 17 local uprising members were killed.

Zazi said security forces of Mirzak district recaptured the post in the morning. Two soldiers were killed and two others were injured in the operation and a bomb blast. He said four airstrikes were carried out on the Taliban last night and one in the morning, causing massive casualties to the rebels.

A resident of the area, ZmaraiMangal, said that a fierce gunbattle broke out between government and Taliban, with both sides suffering casualties on Sunday night.

The police chief also confirmed fighting and said measures had been taken to maintain security.

Taliban confirm the incident.

The group's spokesman, ZabihullahMujahid, said the Taliban had attacked a government base in the Karkin area of Mirzaka district

He said 25 government soldiers were killed, one was captured alive and their weapons and ammunition seized by the Taliban.

Bk/ma