Afghan Taliban seizes key district in Helmand

The Afghan Taliban seized the control of Sangin district in the country's southern province of Helmand Sunday night, sources said on Monday.

"After heavy clashes with the security forces over the past couple of days in Sangin, the Taliban captured all government office buildings in the district center overnight," a provincial security source told Xinhua anonymously.

"The security forces retreated to an army's installation in ouster side of the district, where heavy clashes are going on there at the moment," the source said.

The security forces were at the urgent need of ammunition and air power support as they are engaging with the militants, he added.

The district, which is located in northeastern of provincial capital Lashkar Gah, some 555 km south of Afghan capital, has been regarded as a tragic area in the province.

Earlier on Monday, the Afghan government Chief Executive Officer Abudllah Abdullah held a special meeting with the country's top security officials to review the situation in Helmand.

"The government has taken measures to take immediate actions in Helmand. The actions will repel enemy attacks," Abdullah was quoted by local media as saying.

Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold. Enditem