Heavy clashes in northeastern Badakhshan province

KABUL: (MEP) – Heavy clashes have been occurred among Afghan security forces and Taliban rebels in north-eastern Badakhshan province of Afghanistan on Saturday.

Rendering to the local authorities, the clashes took place in Keran/Manjan district early Saturday and Taliban group claimed that their fighters have taken control of the district.

Nevertheless, provincial governor spokesman Abdul Maruf denied Taliban group claims and said only parts of the district was taken by Taliban rebels, Khaama reported.

Mr. Maruf further added that local residents started fighting Taliban militants after they launched offensive against the Afghan security forces in this district.

He said further security forces have been deployed to the area to fight Taliban militants.

There are no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the clashes. Keran/Manjan district is located close to eastern Nuristan province of Afghanistan where Taliban militants are actively operating, and the area has witnessed fresh violence recently.

This comes as Taliban militants have recently increased their activities in Wardooj district of Badakhshan province, and the group has recently launched major attacks on Afghan security forces in this district