Fresh clashes erupt in Takhar

Monitoring Desk

KUNDUZ: Fresh clashes erupted between the security forces and Taliban in Dasht-e-Qilla district in Takhar province, officials said on Thursday.

The officials yesterday announced that the district was completely purged of Taliban fighters. However, local residents told AIP that Taliban fighters still exist in some parts of the district.

Taliban attacked security checkpoints near Aikhanam today. Local residents said the security forces abandoned the commissioner office and retreated to the district headquarters. They, however, were short of information about casualties.

Security officials have not said anything in this regard so far.

Meanwhile, Takhar governor’s spokesman Muhammad JawadHijri told AIP that gunfight erupted between the security forces and Taliban. He, however, added that Taliban had not moved forward. Both the sides did not suffer any casualties in the gunfight, he said.

Gunfight reached to about two weeks in Dasht-e-Qilla district. About 300 families left their homes due to clashes. They migrated to Taluqan city, capital of Takhar province.

The security forces conducted operation few days ago to purge the district of armed opponents and remove the siege of Taliban around a police party in Aikhanam port area. Officials announced that dozens of Taliban gunmen were killed in the clashes. (AIP)