Fresh bout of violence in Kunduz, Badakhshan leave 8 dead

KUNDUZ CITY/FAIZABD (Pajhwok): At least seven militants and an uprising member have been killed and 19 others wounded during security incidents in northeastern Kunduz and Badakhshan provinces, officials said on Monday.

Qala Zal district chief, Habibullah Muhtasham, told Pajhwok Afghan News five rebels were killed and 11 others wounded after they attacked uprising members in Zulmabad area in the morning.

Nabi Gichi, who leads the anti-Taliban campaign in the area, he said hundreds of rebels participated in the attack but they were pushed back by his supporters. One of the volunteers was killed and another wounded.

Muhtasham said he had contacted Kunduz security organs and a Quick Reaction Force unit would be deployed soon to the area. About 1000 Afghan National Army soldiers were recently stationed in Kunduz to launch night operations.

But a resident of the area, Abdul Samad, claimed the government had failed to oritect them, with the result that locals themselves had taken up arms in self-defence. He said Gichi had 400 armed supporters fighting against the Taliban.

Elsewhere, two militants were killed and four others wounded in Badakhshan. Police chief Col. Sakhi Dad Haidari said the rebel casualties came after they attacked a police post in the Mughlan area of Juram district.

A Taliban commander, Mohammad Zahir was, also among the dead, he said. The three hour clash also left three policemen wounded.

But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed capturing a military centre in Mughlan area and killing six policemen during the overnight fighting.

mds/mud