2 police, 5 rebels killed in Faryab clash

MAIMANA (Pajhwok): Two policemen and five insurgents were killed during a clash in the Almar district of northwestern Faryab province, the district chief said on Wednesday.

Mohammad Saleh Saleh told Pajhwok Afghan News police had launched a clean-up operation in the area and had cleared five villages from insurgents.

He said police seized 20 motorcycles, arms and ammunitions from rebels, regaining control of the area.

He said security forces had established government’s writ in the area about one year ago, but insurgents had been able to stage a comeback.

Saleh said security forces once again expelled insurgents from the area with support of local residents.

Residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said heavy fighting was still ongoing and that most Taliban fighters had escaped.

But a Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi claimed 20 security forces were killed in clashes in Almar and three tanks were destroyed.

He said five police had been killed as a result of a bomb attack in Qurghan district.

nh/ma

Visits: 0