Taliban militants seize eastern Afghan district

After two days of fierce fighting, Taliban militants on Friday seized a district in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province.

"Taliban rebels captured Waygal district and the security forces technically retreated from the area," an official told Xinhua, adding "50 people from both sides were killed and injured during the clash".

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the capture of Waygal district.

Taliban militants seized three districts in Badakhshan and Kunduz provinces over the past two weeks but later lost them to security forces following counter offensives.