12 Taliban killed, 6 wounded in Paktia clash

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): A dozen Taliban militants have been killed and six others wounded during a clash with security forces in Mirzaki district of southeastern Paktia province, an official said on Saturday.

Deputy police Chief Col. Latfullah Kamran told Pajhwok Afghan News militants launched coordinated attack on security check-posts in the district late on Friday night.

He said 12 Taliban militants were killed and another six wounded in the nighttime clash.

A policeman was also killed and two others wounded in the overnight attack, he added.

He said some light and heavy weapons belonging to the militants were also seized by security forces.

Adil Mangal, a resident of the area, has also confirmed causalities to the Taliban, saying if security forces were not supported by air the district might collapse to the militants last night.

On the other hand, Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman also confirmed the battle in Mirzaki district, adding only two of their fighters were killed in the nighttime attack.

Mujahid inflicted heavy causalities to the security personnel in the area.

Pk/nh