Afghan gov't regains vast areas in northern province after killing 60 militants

Afghan government forces after six days of fierce fighting and killing 60 militants have regained vast areas in the northern Saripul province, provincial governor Zahir Wahdat said Sunday.

"The security forces as a result of operations which lasted for six days have liberated five villages with a population of more than 10,000 residents from Taliban clutches in Sancharak district and the enemies after leaving 60 dead bodies behind fled away," Wahdat told Xinhua.

More than 70 militants had been killed during the operations, the governor asserted.

He also confirmed that 11 security personnel had been killed and 19 others sustained injuries.

During the operations, an essential road linking Sancharak to Darzab district has been reopened and the Taliban after six months of having control over the road were dislodged from the area, the official contended.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of Saripul province are yet to make comment on the situation. Endit