Afghan army recaptures strategic district

The Afghan forces on Monday regained control of the strategically important Qala-e-Zal district in the northern Kunduz province, forcing Taliban militants to flee the area, the Interior Ministry said.

According to a ministry statement, the security forces launched massive offensives against the Taliban in the district on Sunday and recaptured it on Monday morning.

The militants, after suffering huge casualties, fled the area, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement, however, did not mention the exact figure of Taliban casualties.

The ministry also vowed to chase the enemies elsewhere in the country.

According to a district police official, the security forces were busy in sweeping and defusing mines planted by the militants in the area.

However, Zabihullah Majahid who speaks for the Taliban outfit in contact with the media, confirmed the fight in Aqtapa area and claimed that 15 security personnel were killed and over a dozen injured since Sunday.

Taliban militants overran the strategically important Qala-e-Zal district along the border with Tajikistan couple of weeks ago.

Qala-e-Zal district, according to analysts, has served as a safe haven for the Taliban insurgents after suffering defeat in Kunduz.

Regaining Qala-e-Zal district, would demoralise the Taliban militants and put the government forces in commanding position in the embattled Kunduz province.

--IANS

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