20 Afghan soldiers killed in Taliban assault

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): At least 20 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers have been killed as a result of a Taliban attack in western Farah province, an official said on Saturday.

Dadullah Qane, a member of the provincial council, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Friday’s attack in Bala Baluk district touched off fierce a clash that left 20 ANA personnel dead.

He said a number of militants also suffered casualties in the four hours gunbttle, but exact figures were not yet known, the public representative added.

A resident of the area, requesting not to be named, confirmed the clash and said the security forces blocked the highway in the morning and transported the soldiers’ bodies.

Pajhwok tried to contact security officials but failed.

Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, Taliban’s spokesman claimed heavy casualties had been inflicted on the soldiers and the bodies of 15 troops were still lying at the site of the clash.

But Nasir Mehri, the governor’s spokesman, rejected the Taliban claim and said four policemen and five rebels were killed and six police personnel and seven rebels were wounded in the clash.

sa/mud