News / Afghanistan

Taliban overrun Waygal district in E Afghanistan

Friday, 26 June 2015 10:15 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 26 June 2015 10:15 AM ]

The file photo shows Taliban militants in Afghanistan.

Taliban militants in Afghanistan have gained control over a restive district in the country’s eastern province of Nuristan, local reports say.

The restive district of Waygal reportedly fell to the militants on Friday, after two days of fighting with Afghan forces.

An unknown number of casualties among Afghan forces have been reported.

According to local officials, government troops had no choice but to retreat from the area after they did not receive reinforcement.

Reports say the Taliban have also gained control over 16 checkpoints surrounding Waygal.

Over the past few years, Waygal has been the scene of similar clashes.

Earlier this month, the Taliban gained control over the districts of Chardarah and Dashti Archi in Kunduz Province. However, Afghan forces managed to retake Chardarah days later.

Taliban militants have intensified their terrorist attacks against government and civilian targets since they began their annual so-called spring offensive in late April.

Although the US-led 2001 invasion of Afghanistan removed the Taliban from power, the country remains plagued by violence.

The American-led combat mission in Afghanistan ended on December 31, 2014. However, at least 13,500 foreign forces, mainly from the United States, have remained in the war-wracked country in what Washington calls a support mission.

SZH/GHN/HMV

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