As many as 38 people were killed and 17 others were reportedly wounded as result of latest violence erupted between Afghan defense and security forces and the Taliban across three provinces, according to local officials.
Talking to Kabul Now, Khalil Asir, spokesperson for Takhar police chief, said that 13 members of Uprising Forces—a pro-government militia—were killed and four others wounded after their outposts came under Taliban attack in Khwaja Bahauddin district of the northern Takhar province.
Meanwhile, Jawad Hijri, spokesperson for Takhar governor, confirmed that 10 militia forces were killed in the incident that took place last night, August 19.
According to Hijri, the attack was repelled and six Taliban militants were killed and four others wounded in counterattacks by reinforcement forces.
In a separate incident, four Afghan security forces were killed and two others wounded in Taliban attacks in Khogyani district of the eastern Nangarhar province, earlier today, around 01:00 AM, August 20, according to Attaullah Khogyani, spokesperson of the governor.
Khogyani added that 10 Taliban insurgents were dead and some others were injured in the battle with government forces.
In another incident, five civilians were confirmed dead and three others wounded as the result of a roadside bomb explosion that hit their riding vehicle in Dawlatyar district of the central Ghor province. Arif Aber, spokesperson for Ghor governor, said that the incident took place today, August 20, in Badgah village of Dawlatyar district.
The hike in violence level comes while President Ghani, in a video message, called on the Taliban to accept a permanent ceasefire and open “direct negotiations with the government.” Ghani noted that the government has removed all barriers against what he has repeatedly referred to as “dignified” and “sustainable” peace.
