LOC19:18
16:18 GMT
ISLAMABAD, July 22 (KUNA) -- At least 10 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers have been killed and three others wounded in a fierce clash with Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's western Farah province, said officials on Saturday.
Provincial governor's spokesman, Nasir Mehri told media that Taliban rebels tried to capture the Pashtunkot district of the province, but were pushed back by security forces after hours of a gun battle. Taliban entered the district center on Saturday morning and carried out some blasts, burnt a military tank and a Ranger pick-up. Security forces responded with airstrikes and a ground offensive, forcing the Taliban to flee the district center.
Afghan security forces claimed to kill a dozen insurgents and injuring six others in the gun battle.
According to local media, Taliban rebels claimed the capture of Pashtunkot district and killing 16 policemen in a firefight. The fierce clash came at a time when Taliban rebels have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan following the launch of their summer offensive against the Afghan and foreign forces. (end)
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