17 militants killed in Nangarhar operation

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): At least 17 militants have been killed during operations in Khogyani district of eastern Nangarhar province in the past two days, an official said Tuesday.

Provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Fazl Ahmad Sherzad, told a news conference they have conducted a search operation in the province in order to ensure security for the second round of election.

He said at least 17 militants have been killed and many weapons and ammunition seized during clear operations conducted in Mimli and Nokarkhail areas of the province in the past two days.

“We have cleared most of the areas of militants and the second round election will be conducted in a peaceful environment,” he said, adding two Afghan security forces also wounded during clash but civilians suffered no casualties.

One militant along with a gun and thousands of bullets detained in Sra Rood district on Monday, Sherzad said.

An operation in Pachiragam district of the province was also conducted and many security posts established there to keep security tight.

But according to a Taliban statement, Afghan forces suffered heavy casualties during several clashes with militants in Khogyani district of Nangarhar.

Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in the statement rejected casualties suffered by militants.

According to another report, militants blew up a bridge in Alingar district of eastern Laghman province.

The Laghman governor’s spokesman, Sarhadi Zwak, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Nilyar  bridge connecting Tapak, Mango, Kotali and many other areas with Nalyar and some parts of Nuristan province was blown up by militants on Monday night.

He said a bridge for pedestrians beside the original bridge was also destroyed.

Nilyar Bridge was built in 2007 by Provincial Reconstruction) on Alingar River.

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