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KABUL: Scores of security forces were killed and injured when Taliban fighters attacked their outposts in the southern Helmand province, provincial officials said.
Hashem Alokozai, who hails from Helmand province in the senate, said Sunday that insurgents attacked outposts in the Sangin district on Saturday morning. He added that 48 soldiers, seven police and 10 people of the local police were killed in clashes with the assailants, while 38 troops were injured.
The clashes are still going on, according to Alokozai, who said that a convoy of reinforcement heading to Sangin faced Taliban’s ambush and suffered casualties.
Provincial Spokesman, Omar Zwak confirmed the incident, saying that Taliban militants attacked a number of outposts in Sangin, but security forces supported by the air force, pushed them back.
He also confirmed casualties among security forces, but did not clarify the number.
Taliban claimed that 52 troops were killed and 11 more injured in their attack.
Separately, three civilians were killed and 31 more wounded in two explosions in the Lashkar Gah city, provincial capital on the same day.
Taliban claimed responsibility for the twin bombings in Lashkar Gah, saying that provincial officials were the main target. Head of provincial economy department was among the dead.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned Lashkar Gah attack, saying that there was no report of government officials’ casualties.
Taliban militants have intensified attacks in different areas, while their negotiating team holds talks with the US to find a way for peace.
In attacks in the eastern Kapisa province, the militants captured the villages of Afghania, Pachaghan and Ghin Dara.
Also severe clashes are underway between Taliban and security forces in the provinces of Kunduz, Ghazni and Faryab.
