An overnight Taliban assault on checkpoints in northern Afghanistan killed 22 troops, after some 100 Afghan forces fled heavy fighting in the country’s west last week and tried to cross into neighboring Turkmenistan, officials said.

Iran Press/Asia: Mohammad Tahir Rahmani, head of provincial council in the northern Faryab province, said the insurgents launched the attack against checkpoints manned by police and pro-government militias in Qaisar district, setting off a fierce gun battle that lasted into Sunday morning. The army sent in reinforcements, who were among those killed.

He said another 20 Afghan forces were wounded in the attack, Khaama Press reported.

'The Taliban have gained control of more areas in the district' after stepping up attacks in recent weeks, Rahmani said, adding that troops reinforcements have arrived from the capital.

Provincial police spokesman Karim Yuresh confirmed that a large number of Taliban launched attacks in Faryab, but he could not immediately provide more details.

America's longest war continues to take lives and kill people in Afghanistan after 17 years. According to the United Nations, the number of civilians killed in a first half of 2018 reached an eight-year record high.

Also, based on United States Air Forces Central Command munitions data report, in 10 months between January to the end of October 2018, US dropped 5982 bombs on Afghanistan, which means nearly 20 bombs for a day, an increase of more than one-third compared to the previous year. 105/213

 

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