PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Officials in central Logar province on Sunday demanded reinforcements as hundreds of Pakistani and Chechen Taliban were battling with security forces to seize Azra district of the province. 
Abdul Wali Wakil, Logar provincial council member, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Taliban controlled the main highways of the district which caused problems for residents.
Najibuulah, a resident of the locality, confirmed heavy presence of foreign militants in the district and added: “Militants have blocked many roads leading to the district and do not allow locals to travel to Pul-i-Alam and Nangarhar province.” 
Hasibullah Stanikzai, provincial council member, said: “The district has strategic importance for Taliban since from where they can pose security threat for Kabul and other provinces.”
Brig. Gen. Abdul Hakim Ishaqzai, provincial police chief, confirmed the district was facing with looming insurgents’ threat.
But he said that security had been beefed up. “The rebels cannot secure control of the entire district.”
The police chief said more security personnel would be deployed to ensure security of the district and thwart any militants’ threat.
Meanwhile, two armed rebels were killed while two security forces wounded when Taliban raided a security check post in Babos area, he added.
Taliban yet to comment on the incident.
shah/rm