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1st LD Writethru: Air raids kill 31 militants, wound 30 in S. Afghanistan

Xinhua, August 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

A total of 31 Taliban militants including a key commander were killed and 30 others injured as military aircraft pounded militants' hideouts in Musa Kala district of southern Helmand province on Sunday, said Brig. Mohammad Rasoul Zazai, an army spokesman in the province.

"Afghan air force backed by the NATO-led Resolute Support mission launched series of air strikes against Taliban hideouts in Musa Kala district Sunday morning. As a result, 31 rebels including a key commander Mullah Zarqawi were killed and 30 others sustained injuries," Zazai told Xinhua.

The air raids took place amid Taliban preparation to capture Musa Kala district.

Taliban militants have infiltrated in Musa Kala district over the past several months and were poised to launch major offensive to capture the strategically important district in south Afghanistan.

"With air raids in Musa Kala, all the plans of Taliban militants for the control of the district have been foiled," the official said.

Taliban militants have not made comment so far. Endi