Taliban’s attacks on Mazar-i-Sharif repelled: Shahin Corps

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Local security officials said on Tuesday that Taliban’s assaults on Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, have been thwarted as clashes with militants continued in some parts of the city.

There are reports about switching control of some villages on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif between the Taliban and Afghan forces.

Balkh governor Mohammad FarhadAzimi said that defense lines in Mazar-i-Sharif city weakened as Shahin Military Corps commander was under treatment for illness in capital Kabul and a brigade commander of the corps was injured in the city, but the situation returned to normal immediately.

He said that a new commander for Shahin Military Corps had assumed charge and arrived in the city with fresh forces.

Meanwhile, a statement from Shahin Military Corps received by Pajhwok Afghan News said that Maj. Gen. ZabihullahMomand was formally appointed as commander of the corps on Monday night.

On the other hand, Taliban and Afghan officials each claim upper hand in the conflict in Balkh province.

ZabihullahMujahid, a Taliban spokesman, in a voice message said that the militants had launched coordinated attacks from four directions on Mazar-i-Sharif.

He said that they were able to capture Kud and Barq areas and broke defense lines to the city.

However, Shahin Military Corps deputy commander, SayedSaadullahHashemi said that Afghan forces were defending the city and they were able to repel Taliban attacks.

Hashemi said that defense lines of Mazar-i-Sharif were protected and Taliban were barred from making advances.

On the other hand, Balkh police headquarters in a statement said that Taliban militants were targeted in several airstrikes in the western region of Mazar-i-Sharif city.

Mds/ma

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