Monitoring Desk
KUNDUZ: Afghan National Army on Monday claimed up to 50 Taliban gunmen were killed and dozens more wounded during the week-long operation in the Chahardara district of northeastern Kunduz province.
The operation launched in the Chahardara district six days ago was concluded with heavy casualties to the Taliban, Abdul Khalil Khalili, press officer of ANA’s 20th Division in Kunduz province.
He told Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) that tens of Taliban hideout, weapons and other equipment seized by the Taliban after the fall of Kunduz city last year were destroyed, adding up to 50 Taliban were killed and tens more wounded during the operation wherein three security men also sustained injuries.
Local residents, meanwhile, said besides casualties to the Taliban gunmen, security forces also suffered loss of life.
The operation displaced more than 2000 families.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the security forces concluded the operation with any major achievement.
He said the Taliban repulsed the Afghan and foreign forces by inflicting heavy casualties on them.
“During the operation, five Americans and 21 government troops were killed and a large number more wounded,” he said. Mujahid conceded that eight Taliban were also killed and 11 wounded.
The troubled Chahardara district is located six kilometers to west of Kunduz city and the Taliban still control most of the areas of the district as the security forces failed to completely restore government writ to district despite repeated operations.
