15 Taliban killed, 16 wounded in Ghazni clash

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Fifteen Taliban militants have been killed and another 16 wounded during a nighttime clash with security forces in southern Ghazni province, an official Monday.

Mohammad Arif Noori, the governor spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the clash in Giru district broke out after the rebels attacked security check-posts in the district last night.

The rebels were pushed back and forced to flee after 15 killed and 16 others wounded, he said, adding four dead bodies of the rebels remained in the area.

Three Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers also suffered wounds but their condition was said to be stable.

ANA 203th Thunder military corps officials also confirmed 15 Taliban were and 23 others were wounded during the last night clash.

They said some weapons and ammunitions were seized by security forces from the rebels.

On the other hand, Nusrullah, a resident of the area, said first the Taliban carried out a suicide bombing at the district police headquarters gate and then entered a clash with security forces. He added both the sides suffered casualties.

But provincial officials rejected local resident’s claims.

Zabihulah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed the Sunday night attack left seven police and one rebel dead and two Taliban and dozens of police injured.

Pk/ma