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BADGHES (SW) – The Taliban rebels have killed at least 15 soldiers in the Bala Murghab district of Badghes province, an official confirmed on Monday.
Abdul Aziz Baig, chairman for the provincial council, told Salam Watandar the rebels stormed the Afghan National Army check posts in the Ludinha area of the district in the wee hours on Monday. He said 15 soldiers got killed and 20 more have been taken as captives.
He went on to say these soldiers were under the siege of the Taliban for almost a week now, but no supporting force came for their rescue. Head of the provincial council said negligence on the part of the government led to this catastrophe.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the provincial governor, Jamshed Shahabi, has only confirmed the killing of four soldiers in this incident. Rejecting the claims about 20 soldiers being taken away by the Taliban as captives, he said 10 attacking Taliban rebels were killed in the exchange of fire. Expressing concerns over security situation in Bala Murghab, Shahabi blamed harsh weather conditions for not sending additional troops to the area.
He said the provincial administration has asked the government and the ANA’s 207 – Zafar Corps to send additional troops for security in Bala Murghab.
The Taliban have taken responsibility for the attack. In the past four days, this is the fifth check post falling to the Taliban in the district. The road link to Bala Murghab has been closed for the past four years due to insecurity.
ENDS
