11 Afghan security men dead in Taliban attack

Monitoring Desk

KUNDUZ: Taliban gunmen killed at least two Afghan security men and wounded nine others after an attack in the Khwaja Ghar district of Takhar province, police said Saturday.

Tens of Taliban fighters swarmed security forces’ outposts in the Pul-e-Momen area of Khwaja Ghar district last night but faced strong retaliation from the security forces, Abdul Khalil Aseer, spokesman of Takhar police, told Afghan Islamic Press (AIP). The firefight ended early this morning, leaving two Afghan security men dead and nine more wounded, he said, adding the dead and injured security men belonged to special unit and local police.

Aseer said the Taliban suffered casualties but they had no accurate count. According to police, situation was calm in the area after Taliban retreated. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, however, said in a statement that five Afghan troops were killed and two commanders among six wounded in the attack. He claimed that the Taliban also seized several outposts and arms.