World
16:47, 06-May-2018
Security forces recapture district from Taliban in north Afghanistan
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Afghan security forces have recaptured a district in the northern province of Badakhshan that was seized by the Taliban amid a government push against the militants, whose annual spring offensive is in full swing.
"The security forces after killing 10 Taliban rebels and injuring five others were able to recapture Kohistan district, forcing militants to flee the area on Saturday night," provincial police spokesman Sanaullah Rohani told Xinhua on Sunday.
The insurgents took hold of the district on Thursday, but army and police forces retook it on Saturday under air cover.
The Taliban has yet to comment on the news.
Xinhua reported that fighting is still underway between the two sides around the district, quoting Rohani as saying that security forces will continue to target militants elsewhere in Kohistan district to ensure lasting peace there.
The restive country is witnessing a fresh bout of violence after Taliban insurgents kicked off their spring offensive late last month, dismissing President Ashraf Ghani’s offer for peace talks.
The group promised to protect the lives of civilians, and asked them to avoid places regarded as legitimate targets by the militants. The campaign’s “primary target will be the American invaders and their intelligence agents. Their internal supporters will be dealt with as a secondary target," the Taliban said in a statement, warning civilians not to support the government.
On Saturday, five people, including a district governor, were wounded in a car bomb explosion in Paktia province on the border with Pakistan. On the same day, a booby-trapped car exploded in an attack on the residence of Kandahar police chief Abdul Razeq in Spin Boldak.
Razeq, who has a fearsome reputation fighting the Taliban and who has survived dozens of assassination attempts, was not harmed in the assault, which he confirmed had taken place.
[Top image: Afghan security force members take part in a military operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, March 13, 2017. /Xinhua Photo]
Source(s): Reuters
,Xinhua News Agency