80 Taliban militants arrested, 3 gunmen killed in north

SHIBERGHAN/PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Eighty Taliban fighters have been captured and three gunmen killed in northern Baghlan and Jawzjan provinces, officials said on Monday.

Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the Jawzjan governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News security forces detained the militants, headed by Mullah Sheen Gul, as they tried to sneak into Faryab province.

He said Mullah Sheen Gul was involved in terrorist activities and operations against the government in different parts of Ghormarch ditrict. The arrests, he hoped, would help improve the security situation.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Amir Gul Hussainkhel, deputy police chief for Baghlan province, said three gunmen were killed and a fourth wounded during a clash with suspected rebels in Bano-Andrab district late Sunday night.

He said a number of gunmen travelling to the district came under ambush, which left three of them dead. The security forces arrested the injured gunman, who was being investigated about his accomplices, he said.

Ahmad Walid, a resident of the area, confirmed the incident and said residents were fed up with activities of militants and outlaws. The irresponsible gunmen had shot dead a young man last week, he recalled.

pk/mud