ANDSF retakes parts of Baghlan district that fell to Taliban two weeks ago

The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have retaken parts of the Baghlan-e-Markazi district of northern Baghlan province which fell to the Taliban two weeks ago, local officials said Monday.

According to officials, the Afghan forces launched ground and air operations to clear the district of Taliban on Sunday evening.

Afghan military officials stated that so far 25 insurgents have been killed and more than 30 others wounded in the raids.

The officials said: “So far, more than 10 villages have been cleared of Taliban, and seven Taliban strongholds were also destroyed during the operation.”

The officials, meanwhile, stated that clearance operations are still underway.

The Taliban, however, has not commented.

The Baghlan-e Markazi fell to the Taliban in early May. Local officials told Ariana News at the time that the Afghan forces had retreated without any clashes and that at least 60

soldiers, equipped with weapons and other equipment from two checkpoints, had surrendered to the Taliban.

The Taliban commented at the time and claimed that more than 200 security personnel surrendered to the group.