Clashes between gov't forces, Taliban militants continue in S. Afghanistan

Fierce fighting between government forces and Taliban militants for control of Helmand province has entered third month and the latter has offered stiff resistance.

Since last November, according to health workers in Helmand's provincial capital Lashkar Gah, 518 dead and injured including military personnel and civilians have been taken to hospitals.

Asmatullah Dawlatzai, commander of the 5th Police Zone in Helmand, Thursday confirmed that bloody fighting between Taliban and security forces in the province has been continuing, saying 2015 was the bloodiest year there.

Hundreds of people with majority of them Taliban militants have lost their lives in the war for control of Helmand since last November, the official asserted.

Meanwhile, Taliban militants who have been fighting in Helmand province, in online statements, have claimed advances and expanding territories in the troubled province.

Taliban's major focus is put on the strategically important Sangin and Marja districts over the past couple of months, and if captured by the militants, according to military analysts, the districts would enable the armed outfit to cut supply lines to government forces in Lashkar Gah.

The Taliban outfit has claimed destroying eight armoured vehicles and killing and injuring more than 20 soldiers in Marja district over the past three days.

They have also claimed shooting down a U.S. military helicopter in Marja district on Tuesday. Endit