LASHKARGAH, July 17 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Taliban fighters have captured Garmsir district in the southern Helmand province, forcing local officials and police to withdraw. 

Interior ministry spokesman Yousuf Stanizai said the police retreated from the district headquarters of Garmsir in a tactical way to deal with the situation as Taliban started intensifying attacks.  

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said their fighters ransacked the district Sunday afternoon, releasing more than 20 policemen who were besieged for several days there. He told Pajhwok Afghan News the fighters and the police under siege struck a deal as the cops left the district to the Taliban and in return police were freed.

Provincial police chief Nabi Malakhel said the police had eft their position and were getting ready to recapture the district soon. The Taliban claim they have many district under their control in southern provinces.

Abdul Samad Rohani and Aziz Zahid

by/rh