29 militants dead in Helmand clashes

LASHKARGAH (PAN): Twenty-nine militants and two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers have been killed in two different incidents in southern Helmand province, officials said on Tuesday.

Eighteen rebels and a policeman were killed in a clash during an anti-poppy campaign in Ber Taka and Oshtan areas of Garmser district, police officer Col. Mohammad Ismail Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News.

But Governor Mohammad Naeem said 26 fighters were killed, with the bodies of 17 still lying at the scene. One policeman two soldiers were also wounded in the firefight, he added.

Elsewhere in the province, the militants clashed with ANA soldiers in Marja district. Eleven rebels and one soldier were killed, said Gen. Syed Maluk Safi, the 215th Maiwand Military Corps commander.

But a Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, claimed that 26 soldiers were killed and wounded in the fighting. He also acknowledged the loss of eight fighters.

nz/mud

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