KUNDUZ, Feb 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) – At least 26 people, including 16 pro-government militiamen and 10 Taliban militants were killed, in fighting in Khanabad district, of Afghanistan’s northern Kunduz province today, deputy to district chief, Qutratullah Safi, said.
“In the clash, 16 pro-government militiamen, including their commander, Abdul Hakim, and 10 Taliban rebels were killed, and nine others, including five rebels were injured,” Safi said.
Villagers said, hundreds of Taliban militants launched massive offensive on pro-government militiamen in Tepa Akhtar, of Khanabad district, early morning, triggering heavy fighting, which lasted for three hours.
Mohammad Yusuf, head of Kunduz provincial council, also confirmed the clash, saying that, delay in dispatching reinforcement led to the death of 16 pro-government militiamen.
The Taliban outfit has yet to make comment.
