New wave of violence claims 40 lives

KABUL): At least 36 militants and four security personnel have been killed in security incidents in different parts of the country, officials said on Sunday.

Fourteen insurgents, including two Pakistanis, were killed and six others wounded during an operation in Jaghatu, Daimirdad and Syedabad districts of central Wardak province.

The governor’s spokesman, Attaullah Khogiani, told Pajhwok Afghan News one policeman was also killed and five others wounded during the operation. Some weapons and ammunition were seized from militants.

Elsewhere, 22 rebels including four commanders were killed during an operation in the Chapa Dara district of eastern Kunar province.

Maj. Shirin Aqa, the 201st Selab Military Corps spokesman, confirmed the clashes and said rebels commanders Shin Gul, Qadir, Sarhadi and Pirai were among the dead.

The militants were killed during an airstrike by coalition forces in Manogai district. Kunar police chief, Brig. Gen. Abdul Majeed Syedkhel, said Lichalam, Qandaro, Khalq Alam and Kalimo villages had been cleared of the Taliban.

But a Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied Taliban casualties and claimed three policemen were killed during a clash.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Ministry of Defence said three Afghan National Army soldiers had been killed in Paktika, Herat and Faryab provinces.

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