9 security personnel killed in Kunduz clash

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Seven Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers and two Afghan Local Police (ALP) personnel have been killed during a clash in Dashti Archi district of northeastern Kunduz province, an official said on Tuesday.

A security official, who wished to go unnamed, told Pajhwok Afghan News Taliban militants stormed security forces’ check-posts in Bazar area in the district late on Monday night.

He said seven ANA soldiers and two ALP members were killed and four ANA soldiers and many ALP men wounded during the nighttime firefight.

He added Taliban insurgents also seized some weapons and a Haumavee from Afghan forces and torched two security posts.

But Niamatullah Timori, the governor’s spokesman, said two ANA soldiers and as many ALP men were killed and four ANA soldiers and two ALP men wounded during the overnight attack.

He said Taliban militants had also suffered heavy causalities but he did not provide exact figures.

Akhtar Mohammad, a resident of the area, confirmed the firefight between security forces and Taliban militants and said the clash continued until Tuesday morning.

 He said, “I personally have no information about casualties, but I saw a number of Taliban militants onboard on a Humvee vehicle and they possibly going somewhere for attack other Afghan forces.”

On the other hand, Taliban militants also confirmed the clash and the group spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed killing 19 ANA soldiers and 11 ALP personnel in Adisa locality of the district on Monday night.

He did not provide information about the Taliban causalities.

Pk/mds