KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) – At least seven security forces and eight militants were killed, following fresh clashes in Afghanistan’s northern province of Kunduz overnight, as fighting rages in the country.
The clashes erupted after Taliban militants, armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades (RPG’s), attacked security checkpoints outside administrative buildings of Qalay-i-Zal district, district chief, Ahmad Fahim Qarloq said.
About eight security force personnel and 10 militants were wounded during fierce gunfight, which lasted about five hours, the official added.
Most of the killed militants were members of Taliban’s Sara Ketta or Red Unit, according to Qarlog and local residents.
The so-called Sara Ketta is the special forces of the Taliban.
Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mujahid told local media that, Taliban fighters overran a security forces’ camp in Qalay-i-Zal, killing and injuring two dozens soldiers and seizing weapons and ammunition.
He said two Taliban fighters were also killed.
Violence has been on the rise, as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters, since the draw-down of foreign forces within the past four years.
On Wednesday, at least 16 personnel of a local company were killed and nine others wounded, after five gunmen and suicide bombers attacked the compound, near a local airport in Jalalabad city, capital of eastern Nangarhar province.– NNN-AGENCIES
