Attack on military base kills 18 soldiers in S. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, May 26 (KUNA) -- At least 18 Afghan National Army (ANA) troops were killed and 16 others wounded in an overnight attack by Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, said official on Friday.
According to security officials, hundreds of Taliban fighters stormed an ANA base in Zangitan area of the Shah Walikot district sparking a gun-battle that lasted three hours killing at least 18 soldiers and wounding 16 others.
Seven Taliban rebels were also reportedly killed and 15 others wounded in the attack. Afghan Ministry of Defense spokesman Dawlat Waziri also confirmed the assault that came three days after 10 Afghan soldiers were killed as Taliban stormed another military base in the same area.
According to local media, Taliban claimed killing more than 30 soldiers and capturing weapons and vehicles.
The attacks came at a time when Taliban has announced their spring offensive last month against the security forces across Afghanistan. (end) sbk.msa