Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT Monitoring Desk-KABUL: At least 42 Taliban militants were killed and more than 43 others received injures during a clearing operation in the Balabulok district of western Farah province, local officials said on Tuesday.
The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces kicked off the offensive on Sep 18 backed by NATO air support and wrapped it up on Monday.
NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and the Afghan National Army’s second brigade stationed in Farah in a statement said the military raid against insurgents in Balabulok was initiated in Shiwan and Ganjabad villages.
It added that 42 militants have been killed and 43 others sustained injuries during the successful operation.
Moreover, Noorull Haq Khaliqi, an ANA spokesperson, said at least 85 insurgents suffered casualties in the military offensive and their five vehicles were also destroyed. He said the forces have also successfully defused 38 landmines in the area.
Accordion to Khaliqi, there were zero casualties on the part of security forces.
However, Sayed Ahmad, a resident of the district, told Pajhwok Afghan News four ANA soldiers, 13 militants and one civilian were killed during the operation.
He said dozens of houses were met to damages as a result of crossfire in Shiwan, Grany and Ganjabad villages. He added the security force left the area yesterday concluding their operation.
Abdul Hakim, a resident of Grany area, confirmed Sayed Ahmad’s claim and said security forces had left after clearing areas near their check-posts. He claimed the Taliban militants have been returned back to the area.
Most of the families have escaped these villages as a result of the conflict.
In addition to that, Mohammad Nasir Mehri, the governor’s spokesman, said the military offensive was aimed at driving insurgents not establishing check posts in the area.
On the other hand, Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, a Taliban’s spokesman, said three militants were killed and seven others sustained injuries during the operation. He claimed 30 security personnel were killed and seven pick-up tanks were also destroyed.
