5 civilians among 11 killed in fresh violence

LASHKARGAH/SHARAN (Pajhwok): Five civilians and six militants have been killed in separate security incidents in southern Helmand and Paktika provinces, officials said Thursday.

Helmand governor’s spokesman Omar Zwak told Pajhwok Afghan News four civilians were killed when the car they were traveling in struck a roadside bomb in the Pagat area of Khanshin district late on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, six militants including a Pakistani were killed in an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) airstrike in the Gayan district of Paktika province.

Provincial police chief Col. Nisar Abdur Rahimzai confirmed the incident and said two other militants were killed during a clash in the Mulayan area of Mata Khan district.

A resident of the area, wishing not to be named, said a civilian was also killed as result of clashes between police and militants.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the clash but rejected denied insurgents’ casualties. He said a civilian was killed by policemen during the fight.

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