At least 30 killed as clashes erupted between Taliban, SF in Afghanistan
TNN Bureau. Updated: 1/10/2019 8:01:46 PM
World
Kabul, Jan 10 (UNI) At least 30 combatants from both the government security forces and the Taliban were killed since early on Thursday Morning as the warring sides intensified attacks against each other in insurgency-battered Afghanistan, officials said.
In a coordinated offensive, Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in Sitoot area of Faizabad district in the northern Jawzjan province, triggering gun battles and leaving four security personnel dead and five others injured, deputy provincial governor Abdul Rahman Mahmoudi said.
Similarly, the government forces launched cleanup operations in Pashtunkot district of Faryab province bordering Jawzjan at 0100 hrs, killing three militants and injuring five others.
The government forces also expelled the militants from several villages, said an army statement.
Two bastions of the insurgents were also destroyed in the area.
Clash between government forces and the Taliban in Khawja Ghar district of the northern Takhar province also left 18 dead from both the sides.
The clash erupted when the militants attacked security checkpoints in Gortepa area, leaving 10 militants and eight security personnel dead.
Both the government and the Taliban had intensified operations to gain an upper hand at possible peace talks between the two sides expected to take place in the upcoming months.