Clashes kill 12 security men, 33 rebels in E. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Sep 12 (KUNA) -- At least 12 Afghan security personnel and four civilians were killed in clashes that erupted after Taliban rebels stormed the Barg-i-Matal district of Afghanistanآ’s eastern Nuristan province, said officials on Tuesday.
Provincial governorآ’s spokesman, Syed Momand told media that Talibanآ’s attack on the Barg-i-Matal district from three directions has been repulsed.
He claimed that 33 Taliban fighters were killed and 16 others wounded during ground and air offensives after the attack. He also confirmed that 12 security personnel and four civilians were killed in the offensive. Clashes have ended and Afghan forces are fully prepared to deal with another possible assault from the rebels on the district center, he added.
According to local media, Taliban rebels have claimed inflicting casualties to 30 Afghan soldiers and capturing seven security posts.
The offensive came at a time when Taliban rebels have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan after rejecting newly announced strategy on Afghanistan by US President Donald Trump, which involves maintaining a US military presence in the country. (end) sbk.bs