Afghan security forces repelled an attack by the Taliban on Shiberghan city, capital of Jawzjan province, killing and injuring dozens of militants, a police officer said.
Sporadic fighting started early Friday when dozens of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons entered from two directions in the south and east of the city, provincial police officer Abobakar Jilani told Xinhua news agency.
"The Afghan army, police backed by local public uprising fighters repelled the attackers and prevented them from advancing to the central part of the city," he said.
The Afghan Air Force conducted several airstrikes on militants' positions on the outskirts of the city, 390 km to the north of national capital Kabul, an official from the Afghan National Army told Xinhua.
"Within the past 24 hours, 60 militants have been killed and many others wounded. The army personnel will soon reopen two provincial highways which connect Shiberghan city with neighbouring Balkh and Sari Pul provinces," he said.
--IANS
ksk/
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU