26 insurgents killed in Balkh, Badakhshan

MAZAR-I-SHARIF/ FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): At least 26 Taliban insurgents have been killed and 10 others wounded during clashes in northeastern Badakhshan and northern Balkh provinces, officials said on Saturday.

Badakhshan police spokesman Sanaullah Rouhani told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants attacked the security forces in the Aspkhwa area of Shahrak-i-Buzarg on Friday evening.

He said the rebels faced strong resistance from the security personnel. In the ensuing firefight, five fighters, including a commander, were killed and 10 others wounded.

“Mohammad Aslam, son of Mohammad Abrar – Taliban’s commander for the district -- was killed along with four fighters. Ten others were wounded,” he said.

In Kabul, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement 21 insurgents were killed in Balkh. The militants were killed during an airstrike in Tapa-i-Sukhta area and the Chaharsu area of Zarah district. The weapons belonging to the militants were also destroyed.

sa/mud