5 civilians killed, 12 injured in Laghman mortar strikes 

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): At least five civilians have been killed and a dozen others injured in a mortar attack by the Taliban in the Alingar district of eastern Laghman province, officials said on Thursday.

Police spokesman Shafiullah Afghanyar confirmed the incident to Pajhwok Afghan News, but did not provide further details.

Assadullah Dawlatzai, the governor’s spokesman, alleged the Taliban fired mortar shells into civilian houses in Khalilabad area and the Nurgram district of neighbouring Nuristan province.

He said five civilians were killed and 12 others injured in the incident. Dawlatzai said the casualties included women and children.

Awal Khan, a resident of the area, said the attack took place in a mountainous area between Laghman and Nuristan. The injured were transferred to hospital.

The armed Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.

bk/mud