KABUL, Aug 7 (NNN-XINHUA) – About 350 militants were killed and 70 wounded, during one-day offensives and airstrikes launched by Afghan government security forces yesterday, as clashes resumed in several cities early today, the military said.
At least 276 Taliban militants were killed and 47 militants wounded after security forces, backed by Afghan air force, struck Taliban positions in southern Helmand and western Nimroz provinces, army’s 215th Maiwand Corps said, in a statement.
Those among the killed was Abdul Khaliq alias Aka Abid, a Taliban’s shadow governor for Nimroz. Yesterday, Taliban militants attacked and seized control over Zaranj city, capital of Nimroz.
Eight militants’ vehicles, five motorcycles and a heavy gun were destroyed in the said provinces, according to the statement.
Many Afghan cities and about half of the country’s 34 provinces have been the scene of heavy battles and street fighting in recent weeks, as Taliban militants continued their fighting against security forces since the start of withdrawal of U.S.-led troops.
Some 40 militants were killed and many others wounded after security forces, backed by local public uprising forces evicted Taliban from Shiberghan city, capital of northern Jawzjan province, army’s 209th Shaheen Corps said. The city has been the scene of heavy street clashes and fighting in recent days. Earlier today, fighting resumed in the city and militants captured control of several streets.
In neighbouring Samangan province, 19 militants were killed and 13 wounded, while 13 Taliban died and eight others wounded in clashes and airstrikes in northern Takhar province, during the cited period, according to statement of the army corps.
The Taliban militant group has not responded to the report so far.– NNN-XINHUA
