SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): The Taliban are locked in an intense battle with security forces for the Kohistanat district of central Sar-i-Pul province, a public representative said on Saturday.
The insurgents had besieged the district centre following coordinated attacks from four sides, provincial council member Asadullah Khurrami told Pajhwok Afghan News.
He said the roads leading to Kohistanat, which the Taliban seized for several days earlier this year, had been closed and communications lines disrupted as a result of fighting.
An Afghan Local Police official, requesting anonymity, said only two villages of the district were under government control. He complained reinforcements had not been dispatched to the district so far.
Meanwhile, a resident said 30 tribal leaders had launched hectic efforts to mediate between the government and the Taliban. The elders were trying to prevent possible bloodshed in the district, he added.
Another official claimed up to 20 militants had been killed in clashes that broke out last night. Without commenting on the casualties, the Taliban said they had gained control of many parts of the district.
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