Foreign troops among several killed in Paktia

GARDEZ (PAN):  Two foreign troops, five Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and a translator were killed in a roadside bombing in the Zurmat district of southeastern Paktia province, officials said on Saturday.

The explosion occurred in the Gogar village of Mamozai area, where the combined force was trying to defuse the bomb, Shad Gul Hotak, spokesman for the 203rd Thunder Corps, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said two NATO-led troops, one of their translators and five Afghan soldiers perished and two other soldiers suffered injuries.

A local official, who wished not to be named, said nine soldiers, including two foreigners, were killed in the explosion and the ensuing firefight with the Taliban in the Sheikh Mir area.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said seven Afghan soldiers, four foreign troops and a translator were killed in the firefight.

mbg/mud

Visits: 1