3 Taliban killed in 5-hour Marja clash

LASHKARGAH (PAN): Three insurgents were killed during a firefight in the Marja district of southern Helmand province, an official said.

The clash was touched off by a Taliban attack on security forces during a poppy-eradication campaign in Amir Biland area, the district chief said.

Mohammad Fahim Musazai told Pajhwok Afghan News that after the five-hour clash, police took the fighters’ dead bodies to the district centre.

Police and civilians were not harmed in the encounter, according to the district chief, who said local warlords had planted poppies on the government land they had grabbed.

He alleged the Taliban had promised growers they would not allow the illicit crop’s eradication. There was no immediate reaction from the militants.

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