Taliban seize strategic area of Balcharagh district

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Local officials in northwestern Faryab province acknowledged on Tuesday the loss of a strategic area of Balcharagh district.

In the battle for Nasher area, which erupted late on Monday, three uprising members, including a commander, were killed, a credible source told Pajhwok Afghan News on condition of anonymity.

The strategic area fell into the hands of insurgents early in the morning, according to the official, who called Nasher important because it connects Balcharag and Garzewan district with Pashtunkot and Maimana.

Ghafoor Pahlawan, a local uprising commander, said three members of the force were killed, including Noor Mohammad. Four other pro-government fighters were seized by militants.

The Balcharagh-Maimana highway has been closed for traffic. Abdullah, a resident of the area, said seven uprising members were killed as Taliban took control of the area.

sa/mud