5 civilians killed as Afghan forces fight for retaking Tabar valley in northern Afghanistan

SARI PUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least five Afghan civilians were killed and eight others wounded during armed clashes in a strategic valley in the country's northern province of Sari Pul, a local official said Saturday.

"Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched an operation Saturday morning, to drive Taliban out from Tabar valley, Sangcharak district. The operation is tactically ongoing to avoid civilian casualties," Sayyed Sarwar Housaini, spokesman of 707 Pamir Police Zone based in the region, told Xinhua.

Since early this week, the valley has been the scene of heavy clashes between government security forces, backed by the local pro-government militiamen, and Taliban insurgents. Taliban overran several villages in the valley after local militia forces pulled back from their security posts after clashes erupted.

Local residents claimed that five civilians were killed and eight others injured within the past 24 hours in Tabar, bringing to 23 the number of villagers killed in the mountainous valley in past six days.

Zabihullah Amani, governor spokesman, confirmed the operation, saying eight Taliban insurgents were killed and 10 others wounded in the retaking incident. The spokesman said two civilians were killed, four civilians and four soldiers wounded in the fresh fightings.

Over 5,000 families have been displaced as Taliban's upsurge resulted in controlling Tabar valley of Sangcharak district over the period. Enditem