Clashes kill 8 soldiers, 20 rebels in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- At least eight Afghan security personnel and 20 rebels were killed in clashes in Afghanistan's northwestern Jawzjan province, said officials on Sunday.
Jawzjan Governor Lutfullah Azizi in a statement claimed that 20 militants were killed during the operation in Khamab district of Jawzjan and the bodies of the rebels were still lying at the scene of the offensive.
He said that 10 other insurgents were arrested and 30 weapons and three vehicles were seized during the operation. Azizi also confirmed the death of eight security personnel in clashes with militants.
However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed they had killed 29 Afghan security personnel and wounded a number of others in the offensive, said reports. Afghan officials claimed to retake the Khamab district from Taliban rebels after launching the operation on Thursday. (end) sbk.mt