Afghan forces reclaim key district from Taliban

Kabul, Jan 10: Afghanistan security forces took control of Darqad district bordering Tajikistan on Sunday, an official said. “After days of clashes with the Taliban, the rule of law has been maintained,” Satullah Timor, provincial government spokesman, told Xinhua. “The joint forces were working to find and defuse roadside bombs and landmines in the area,” Timor said. A total of 25 militants were killed and 20 others wounded during the cleanup operation that started on Friday night, the source said. “At least 40 suspected Taliban militants have been captured. The cleanup raids will continue until the area is cleared of the militants,” Timor added. A Taliban local leader Kamal Haidari was among the killed, he said. At least four security personnel sustained injuries during the operation and no civilian casualty was reported throughout the clashes, Timor said. The Taliban is yet to make any comment. (IANS)