Kuwait- Clashes kill 9 soldiers, 17 rebels W. Afghanistan

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (KUNA) -- At least nine Afghan soldiers and 17 Taliban insurgents have been killed during a clash in Afghanistan's western Farah province, said officials on Wednesday.

Provincial governor's spokesman, Nasir Mehri told media that Taliban rebels attacked an army check-post in Belandi area of Pushtrod district in Farah. He confirmed that nine soldiers were killed and four others wounded in the three-hour clash. He further said that the post was recaptured and at least 17 insurgents were killed with the support of air power.

According to local media, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi claimed that 14 army personnel had been killed and a tank along with many weapons were captured by the fighters. The Taliban suffered no casualties, he claimed.

The clash came at a time when a series of attacks last week targeting Afghan security forces and civilians have killed over 200 people, mostly security personnel, and wounded 350 others across Afghanistan. (end) sbk.hb

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