GARDEZ (Pajhwok): At least six border policemen have been killed during a clash with militants in the Dand-i-Patan district of southeastern Paktia province, an official said on Tuesday.
The clash has been ongoing for the past two days in the district that shares a border with Pakistan. The 202nd Border Zone commander acknowledged the loss six border police personnel.
Brig. Gen. Abdul Basir Khpalwak told Pajhwok Afghan News a number of security officials had suffered injuries during the fight. Taliban militants also suffered casualties, he said without giving exact figures.
Khpalwak added several police posts were left to the Taliban as part of a tactical retreat. “Reinforcements have arrived and heavy clashes are underway with rebels,” he continued.
A provincial council member, Taj Mohammad Mangal, said they received reports about some border policemen going missed. If not controlled, the violence might spread to other border areas, he warned.
The Taliban have not yet commented on the clash in the district. But a day earlier, their spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed capturing a base and seven posts in the Maqbool Dara area of Dand-i-Patan.
He said that 18 policemen had been killed, seven others wounded, two tanks destroyed and some ammunition seized by militants during the clash. He confirmed injuries to only four rebels.
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