Afghanistan: Taliban retake valley from security forces

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - The Taliban in Afghanistan on Saturday regained control over a strategically important valley in the north that had been reclaimed by security forces after intense clashes two months ago.

Mohammad Noor Rahmani, head of the Sar-e-Pul council of the province which includes the Mirza Olang Valley, told Anadolu Agency that after two days of clashes with security forces, the Taliban have taken control of the valley.

Meanwhile, local Lemar TV quoted Gen. Khalil Dastyar, provincial police chief, saying the security forces had taken a “strategic retreat.”

The Taliban stormed this part of the province in the Sayad district on Thursday. The Afghan Air Force (AAF) carried out air raids to push back the militants.

The 209 Shaheen Corps of the Afghan National Army said in a statement that five militants were killed in air raids on Thursday.

The loss of territory after reclaiming it from the militants just two months ago exposes the shortcomings of the security forces in holding onto it.

In August, days after a massacre committed by the militants here, government forces took control of it following ground and air offensives.

More than 50 civilians, including women and children, were killed by militants associated both with the Taliban and Daesh in the first week of August, Zabehullah Amani, spokesman for the provincial government, said at the time.