Taliban attempts to capture district in northern Afghanistan foiled: official

Taliban militants' attempts to capture Sayad district in the northern Saripul province has been foiled, spokesman for provincial government Zabihullah Amani said Wednesday.

"The security forces launched counter-terror operations in Sayad district over weekend and so far 53 rebels have been killed and the Taliban's design to overrun the district has been foiled," Amani told Xinhua.

Some 70 militants have been injured during the ongoing crackdown, the official said.

He also admitted that two policemen sustained injuries in fighting against militants.

Taliban militants, who have captured Qala-e-Zal district in Kunduz province and Zebak district in Badakhshan provinces over the past week, are yet to make comment on the situation in Sayad district of Saripul province. Endit