Afghan, Taliban forces clash in southern province

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - Government forces in Afghanistan have thwarted the Taliban's attempt to overrun Lashkargah, the capital of restive Helmand province in the south, on Saturday.

According to officials, the militants stormed a police station in the 3rd district on Friday but were contained and ultimately pushed back on Saturday.

The militants have reportedly infiltrated villages near the Afghan National Police (ANP) directorate in the provincial capital, and are targeting it.

Umar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor however, claimed that at least 28 militants had been killed with the support of the air force.

Zwak told Anadolu Agency that the rebels’ positions had been hit from the air and enough ground forces were stationed in the area to defend this key province.

Thousands of civilians have fled the province over the past months due to growing insecurity.