Afghan forces kill 72 Taliban militants in 24 hours
Iran Press TV
Sat Jun 1, 2013 12:12PM GMT
Afghan forces backed by US-led foreign troops have killed 72 Taliban militants and captured 8 others during cleanup operations across the country over the past 24 hours, Press TV reports.
"The large-scale security operations were launched in Badakhshan, Balkh, Ghor, Herat, Kandahar, Paktia, and Uruzgan provinces, killing 72 Taliban militants and detaining eight others. Two more armed men were also injured over the past 24 hours," the Afghan Interior Ministry said in a statement issued on Saturday.
The statement, however, did not mention whether there were any casualties on the side of Afghan or foreign forces.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but the country is still gripped by insecurity.
In late April, the Taliban announced the start of their annual 'spring offensive' against US-led and Afghan forces, vowing a new wave of attacks across Afghanistan.
The militant group said it would use 'every possible tactic' to inflict casualties on Afghan and US-led forces. They specifically mentioned insider attacks, and bomb attacks.
The announcement prompted the Afghan authorities to beef up security in major cities across the country, including the capital city of Kabul.
FKO/MP/SS
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