37 militants killed in Afghanistan clashes
Sharan, Afghanistan, Aug 28 (Xinhua) At least 37 Taliban militants were killed on Tuesday night when Afghan security forces repelled an attack on their positions in eastern Paktika province, local police said on Wednesday.
"The Taliban's Sara Keta or Red Unit militants stormed security checkpoints along a road connecting Mata Khan district with neighboring Zurmat district late Tuesday night, and security forces deployed at the posts fought back the attackers, killing 37 militants," Massoud Babakarkhil, deputy provincial police chief, told Xinhua.
Among those killed was Musa Khan, a divisional commander of Taliban's so-called Sara Keta or special forces.
One security force member was wounded during the clashes which roughly lasted seven hours, the police official said, adding that the injured was shifted to an army camp.
The bodies of the slain militants will be handed over to Afghan Red Crescent or local villagers, according to Babakarkhil.
Taliban militants, controlling parts of the mountainous province, use rugged terrains and mountains as hideouts and frequently launch hit-and-run attacks against security forces.
Militancy and counter-militancy traditionally get momentum in spring and summer, commonly known as fighting season in Afghanistan.
The Taliban militant group has not responded to the report so far.
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