7 ALP men, 12 Taliban killed in Zabul clashes

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): Seven Afghan Local Police personnel and a dozen Taliban insurgents have been killed during clashes in the Shahjoy district of southern Zabul province, the district administrative chief said on Saturday.

Wazir Mohammad Jawadi told Pajhwok Afghan News that militants stormed ALP check-posts in Lalai village, Khan Village, Abdul Raoof Kala and Nasir areas late on Friday night.

Already aware of the attack, the ALP men were ready to face the rebels, the Shahjoy district chief said, adding the clashes lasted three hours, leaving 12 assailants and seven ALP members dead and 10 insurgents and three civilians wounded.

The militant had the plan to overrun at least five ALP check-posts but they could not, Jawadi said, adding the area remained under ALP forces’ control and they had launched a clearing operation.

The Taliban have not yet commented about the clashes in Shahjoy district.

sa/ma