Iran Press/ Asia: At least 14 civilians have been confirmed dead and 36 others sustained injuries as the mortar attacks from militants struck residential areas and a bazaar in Khawja Sabzposh district of the northern Faryab province on Friday.
According to Xinhua news agency, provincial police spokesman Abdul Karim Yurash said: "Taliban rebels fired several mortars on Saturday morning and all slammed into residential areas and a local market called Ganj bazaar in Khawja Sabzposh district, killing fourteen civilians on the spot and injuring 36 others."
The incident was followed by gun battle between security forces deployed in the area and the Taliban militants, the official said, adding fighting has been continuing and the security forces have been trying to evict the insurgents to ensure peace and stability in the restive district.
Taliban militants who are active in Khawja Sabzposh district and adjoining areas are yet to make a comment.
The war in Afghanistan started by United States invasion on 7 October 2001. The US Army was supported by NATO. One of the claimed war's aims was to remove the Taliban from power and to bring peace to the country.
After 18 years, the US and Nato have been unable to bring peace to Afghanistan, but also their military presence in Afghanistan is the main reason for increased violence and killings.
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