21 Afghan forces killed in Taliban onslaught

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) – At least 20 Afghan security personnel were killed in a flared-up fighting with the Taliban insurgents in the central Uruzgan province of Afghanistan, local media reported on Monday.

According to the local Tolo News, the battle in Gizab district of Uruzgan has claimed the lives of 20 Afghan troops and at least 18 Taliban fighters.

Police Chief Khetab Khanjari confirmed death of seven army commandos, who were deployed in the area on Sunday.

The dead also included eight regular troops and five policemen.

In a social media post, the Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahed, claimed that a security base and a check post was overrun by the insurgents, killing scores of security forces, including 14 commandos.

Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) has urged both sides to observe ceasefire amid escalating civilian casualties. According to the AIHRC, in the past six months, 1,611 civilians were killed and 4,876 were injured.

Almost 75% of civilian casualties were caused by attacks launched by Taliban, 3% by Daesh and 11% by the pro-government forces. The perpetrators for another 10% of civilian casualties were not identified.