Civilians among 14 killed in Kunduz violence

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): A clash and airstrike left four security forces, seven civilians and three Taliban insurgents dead in Khanabad district of northern Kunduz province, an official said Tuesday.

EsmatullahMuradi, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants stormed Afghan National Army (ANA) check-posts in Akhtar Mohammad Tapa area of the district on Monday night.

In the ensuing clash, he said, four security personnel were killed, two others wounded and a seventh was missing.

After the assault, the militants took refuge in a house in nearby village and Afghan Air Force (AAF) targeted the house. Three militants and five civilians were killed and two other civilians wounded in the airstrike.

Residents said the ANA check-post was overrun by the Taliban. A resident of the area, who declined to be named, said seven security forces were killed and an eight went missing after the attack.

The Taliban have not yet commented about the clash and the airstrike.

sa/ma