Clashes kill 10 security men, 28 rebels in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, June 25 (KUNA) -- At least 10 security personnel and 28 Taliban fighters were killed in two separate violent clashes in Afghanistan's northeastern Kunduz and western Herat provinces, said security officials on Monday.
The insurgents stormed security check-posts in the Charahi locality of the Imam Sahib district in Kunduz, Kunduz Police Chief Brig. Gen. Abdul Baqi Nuristani told media.
He confirmed that seven security personnel were killed in the attack, adding that 21 rebels were killed and 12 others wounded in return fire from the security forces.
Meanwhile, at least seven Taliban fighters and three security force members were killed in a clash in Chishti Sharif district of Herat.
The clash began when security forces were ambushed by the Taliban fighters.
Two Afghan National Army soldiers and an Afghan National Police soldier were killed and eight other security force members were wounded in the clash.
The clashes came after a ceasefire truce between security forces and Taliban rebels for the first three days of Eid Al-Fitr.
The ceasefire, which was warmly welcomed by the people and government of Afghanistan, was extended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani but Taliban refused to extend.
The Taliban has suffered losses during the ceasefire when at least 55 people including Taliban were killed in two blasts on a gathering of Taliban, security forces, and civilians to celebrate ceasefire. (end) sbk.ma