Taliban ambush kills 11 Afghan soldiers: officials

Najibullah Najibi, a spokesperson for the army confirms the attack


Afp June 29, 2015
PHOTO: AFP

HERAT, AFGHANISTAN: At least 11 Afghan soldiers were killed in a Taliban ambush in western Afghanistan, officials said Monday, as security forces face their first fighting season without NATO combat support.

"The Taliban ambushed a convoy of soldiers in Karukh district of Herat, killing 11 Afghan army soldiers last evening. The soldiers were riding in pickup trucks," Ehsanullah Hayat, spokesperson for the governor of the western province of Herat, told AFP.

Read: Afghan president wants talks 'with Pakistan first' on brokering peace with Taliban

Najibullah Najibi, a spokesperson for the army in western Afghanistan, confirmed the attack and said four soldiers were also wounded.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Taliban militants have increased their attacks on Afghan security forces since launching their annual spring offensive.

The Taliban launched their offensive, named "Azm" (determination), in late April, vowing nationwide attacks in what is expected to be the bloodiest summer in a decade.

Read: Taliban admit holding informal Afghan talks in Norway

Afghan security forces, stretched on multiple fronts and facing record casualties, are struggling to rein in the militants even as the government makes repeated efforts to jump-start peace negotiations.

NATO's combat mission formally ended in December after 13 years, but a small follow-up foreign force has stayed on to train and support local security forces.

COMMENTS (1)

Ibrar | 8 years ago | Reply This is sad but not unexpected. The road towards peace is unfortunately going to be quite bumpy but that should not dilute the steadfastness and determination of the concerned parties from further enhancing their efforts. I strongly feel that despite a degree of lack of trust, largely fuelled by those who do not wish to see Pak-afghan alliance succeeding, the solution lies with these two countries not giving up and supporting each other. It is in Pakistan's interest to see a peaceful Afghanistan. Too many cooks could only ruin things and countries like India must be kept away particularly when China, much more acceptable to parties, is prepared to assist.
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