Taliban launches massive offensive in northern Afghanistan

APD NEWS

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Hundreds of Taliban militants launched a massive offensive to overrun Burka district in northern Afghan province of Baghlan on Monday, a local official said.

"Hundreds of Taliban rebels organized multi-pronged offensive against security checkpoints on Monday morning to capture Burka district and fierce fighting has been continuing," the official who declined to be named told Xinhua.

Meantime, Governor for Burka district Mawlawi Shamsudin confirmed that some 700 armed insurgents including foreign nationals attacked security checkpoints around Burka to overcome the district.

The official has also warned that any negligence in sending reinforcement would help militants to gain grounds.

He also said that several people, including six insurgents, have been killed in the fighting for control of Burka district and gun battle has been continuing since early morning.

Governor of Baghlan province Abdul Hai Nemati said that security forces would soon launch cleanup operations to restore law and order there.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the situation.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)