Afghan Troops Repel Taliban In Farah Province

By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan

November 17, 2014

Security officials says Afghan troops have repelled Taliban insurgents from areas in western Farah Province the militants attacked earlier in the day.

Farah police chief, Abdul Razzaq Yaqoobi, said 18 militants were killed and 13 others wounded after government forces in the Bala Buluk district received reinforcements on November 17. 

The Interior Ministry said a policeman was killed in the clashes. 

Earlier, local officials said hundreds of Taliban fighters launched coordinated attacks on government buildings and security checkpoints in Bala Buluk district.

Mullah Said Mohammad, the district governor, said the militants stormed the headquarters of the regional government and district police, as well as several security outposts in the early morning of November 17.

"Heavy clashes between the security forces and the militants are still going on," the governor said, adding that the district "might fall to the insurgents if government forces don't receive additional support."

The governor said two soldiers and 15 Taliban fighters were killed in the clashes.

The casualty figures cannot be independently confirmed.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.

With reporting by khaama.com and dpa