Shadow governor among 13 rebels killed

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): At least 13 militants, including their designated governor for northern Takhar province, have been killed during an operation in northern Kunduz province, an official said on Monday.

Kunduz police spokesman Syed Sarwar Hussaini told Pajhwok Afghan News 10 militants were killed and three others wounded in Mulla Quli and Paeen Aab area of Dasht-i-Archi district during the overnight operation by Afghan National Army (ANA) commando unit.

Another three rebels were killed in a similar operation in Gortapa area on the outskirts of Kunduz City, he said, adding those killed in the operation were yet to be identified.

However, Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman Zahir Azimi said a Taliban-designated governor for Takhar, who had joined Kunduz militants, was among the dead.

A MoD statement said ANA commandos on Sunday night launched a clearing operation in Chahar Dara district and Gortapa area of Kunduz, clearing most of the areas.

There has been no word from militants about the operation.

mds/ma