20 rebels eliminated in Nangarhar, Paktika

JALALABAD/SHARAN (Pajhwok): At least 20 militants were killed and a dozen others wounded in separate clashes with security forces in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, officials said on Monday.

Fifteen rebels were killed and nine wounded when they mounted an attack on a security forces convoy in the Siraj Market area of Khogyani district, the Nangarhar police spokesman said.

Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal told Pajhwok Afghan News notorious Taliban commanders Qari Siraj, Grenade and Hashmatullah were among the dead. Security forces conducted a search operation in the area late on Monday.

Dr. Noor Agha, in charge of the Khogyani hospital, confirmed receiving three injured people, including two children. The injured are said to be in stable condition.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said 18 government servants in Khogyani had joined the militants. However, he said nothing about the clash in Siraj Market.

Meanwhile, two bombs exploded in the Behsud district of Nangarhar early Tuesday morning, an eye witnessed said. Shamsuddin said the explosions occurred at 7:00am in front of a house.

Separately, five militants were killed and three injured in clashes with security forces in the Gomal district of Paktika province.

Maj. Nabi Jan Mullakhel, the provincial police chief, said two fighters including Taliban commander Saifullah were killed and another injured when they were extorting residents of Mulayan village.

In another incident, three rebels were killed and two wounded in Gomal district after they opened fire on the policemen patrolling the area.

nh/mud

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