Fighting continues for control of Khanshin district in S. Afghanistan

Fierce fighting has been continuing for the control of Khanshin district in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province over the past two days and Taliban have suffered huge casualties, spokesman for provincial government, Omar Zawak said Saturday.

"Taliban militants launched massive offensive on security checkpoints in Khanshin district yesterday evening and security forces retaliated forcing militants to retreat from some areas," Zawak told Xinhua.

"Since eruption of fighting on Friday evening, 20 Taliban rebels and a policeman have been killed and several others injured," said the official, adding that the fighting is continuing.

Meanwhile, Abdul Majid Akhundzada, deputy to Helmand's Provincial Council, has reported the collapse of Khanshin district to the Taliban, a claim spurned by Zawak as baseless.

However, an official on condition of anonymity told Xinhua that a senior security official has been killed and five others including district police chief sustained injuries.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the situation in Khanshin district.

Helmand province, a former stronghold of Taliban which is notorious for growing poppy and militancy has been the scene of fierce fighting over the past couple of years. Enditem