34 Taliban killed, 20 wounded in Faryab raids

Monitoring Desk

MAIMANA: Three key commanders were among 34 Taliban killed during an operation in Almar and Andkhoi districts of the northwestern Faryab province, officials said on Monday.

A source in the provincial intelligence office told Pajhwok Afghan News 20 Taliban militants had been killed during the air raid. Afghan forces were supported by foreign troops in the Qaragholi locality of Almar on Sunday night.

The source added Maulvi Habibullah (also known as Number 1), a Taliban military commander — Mullah Amruddin, finance and supply manager, and Syed Zainuddin, leader of a 20-member insurgent group, were among the killed.

During the nighttime offensive, three check-posts and two tanks were also destroyed, the official added.

Abdul Rassoul, a resident of the area, confirmed the death of the three commanders. He said heavy causalities were inflicted on the militants in the overnight operation.

Elsewhere, Afghan forces targeted a Taliban hideout and killed Qari Tajuddin –known as Dai Munhadam — and his deputy Damullah Zakir along with 13 other militants. At least 20 rebels were injured in the Toqoz valley of Andkhoi district, the source said.

Mohammad Shoaib, a resident of the area, said the militants had gathered at a guesthouse when they came under attack. However, he did not give exact figures. Three civilians were also among the killed, he claimed.

The Taliban confirmed the raids but did not give details. (Pajhwok)