8 police, scores of rebels dead in fresh violence

GHAZNI CITY/QALA-I-NAW/LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Eight policemen, including a commander, and 20 militants have been killed in clashes and roadside bombing in different parts of the country, officials said Thursday.

At least 20 Taliban, including dreaded commanders, have been killed and some wounded in security forces clearing operations in the Maqur, Gilan and Nawa districts of southern Ghazni province, Deputy Governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said operation had been launched to regain control of Nawa district which was in Taliban control from the last 13 years. Acting Governor Musa Khan Akbarzada and spy-service director travelled to the district to assess successes of ongoing offensive.

The official said seven motorcycles, two cars and ammunitions had been seized by security forces. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejected the claims that 20 Taliban have been killed in the offensive.

Separately, seven border policemen and as many Taliban have been killed in a clash in the Muri Chaq locality of Bala Murghab district in western Badghis province, Mirwais Mirzakwal, the governor’s spokesman said.

The clash erupted Wednesday afternoon and continued till late. Three border police officials have been missing after the clash, the official said.

A resident of the locality wishing anonymity confirmed causalities suffered by security forces and Taliban. He said the clash left seven more Taliban wounded.

Elsewhere, roadside bombing left commander of a police check post dead and three others wounded in the Sangin district of southern Helmand province.

Mohammad Daud Noorzai, the district administrative chief, said the incident took place early Thursday.

nh/rm

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