Taliban attack on Qala-i-Naw repulsed: Governor

QALA-NAW (Pajhwok): Taliban militants again attacked Qala-i-Naw, the capital of northern Baghis province, but security forces pushed them back, the governor said on Thursday.

Governor Hussamudin Shams told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Taliban attacked the town of Qala-i-Naw but faced stiff resistance.

He said the armed rebels entered the town from the southeast and security and defense forces and Special Forces reached the area as soon as possible and forced the Taliban to flee.

He assured residents that security forces would bring the Taliban to their knees in Qala-i-Naw, saying the attackers suffered heavy casualties as a result of the clashes.

Abdul Aziz Beyk, chairman of the Provincial Council, confirmed the resumption of hostilities in Qala-i-Naw.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News air support had been provided to security forces in the province; but so far no reinforcements had arrived.

He added the security belt of Qala-i-Naw had been destroyed and people were still in a state of panic.

The head of the provincial council said that most of the residents of Qala-i-Naw had taken refuge in villages of the city.

He added that as a result of clashes, some wood shops in the city caught fire and no further damage had been reported so far.

Bk/ma