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Infighting among Taliban factions kills 20 in W. Afghanistan

Xinhua, August 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

Up to 20 insurgents have been killed as clash erupted between supporters of Taliban leader Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada and his opponents in the western Herat province over the past four days.

Provincial government spokesman Jilani Farhad said the clash erupted between armed men of Mullah Samad, a commander loyal to Taliban leader Akhundzada and his rival commander Mullah Nangiali during which 15 more insurgents from both sides sustained injuries.

Sporadic fighting was still going on between the two sides in the region, the spokesman said. Taliban militants have yet to make comment on the conflict.

Akhundzada replaced Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor who was killed in a U.S. drone attack in late May. The succession has been challenged by Mullah Rasoul Akhund as illegitimate and since then boths sides have clashed in several provinces. Endit