Forces regain Anar Dara control amid intense battle

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): Security forces regained control of Anar Dara district of western Farah province amid an intense gunbattle battle that left more than 60 dead and wounded on both warring sides on Monday, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said.

MoD spokesman Maj. Gen. Dawlat Waseri said 36 militants and 27 security personnel were killed and injured in the violence.  He said the injured security men included 20 Afghan National Army (ANA) troops.

Earlier, Farid Bakhtawar, head of the Provincial Council (PC), said security forces retook control of the Anar Dara district centre from insurgents at around 1pm.

He, however, said a severe fighting between security forces and Taliban gunmen was underway in Dehna Bala locality of the district.

Bakhtawar said reinforcements had reached the area.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, said 15 security forces were killed and the district was captured by the Taliban.

nh/ma