Operation launched to regain Yamgan control

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): Afghan security forces on Wednesday launched an operation to regain control of the Yamgan district in northeastern Badakhshan province, an official said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said a group of rebels attacked security check-posts and the district headquarters, disconnecting the town from the provincial capital.

MoD spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi said Maj. Gen. Zalmai Weesa, commander of the 209^th Shahin Military Corps, was leading the operation involving 100 commandos to flush out militants.

Special commando units launched the offensive after landing in the district, the provincial police chief said.

Lt. Gen. Fazal Din Ayar told Pajhwok Afghan News fierce fighting was underway. He hoped militants would be dislodged and the district retaken by government forces.

He, however, did not share details about casualties in the clashes but said five militants, including a commander, were killed in yesterday’s firefight.

On Tuesday, local officials said militants besieged Yamgan, blowing up a telephone tower and disconnecting the town from the provincial capital.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they had captured the district after a fierce battle. Sixteen security personnel were killed and five others captured, he claimed.

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