At least 34 cops killed in late night assaults, victims include provincial security chief, officials say
The security chief of Afghanistan’s northern Takhar province and over 30 policemen were killed in Taliban attacks, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Capt. Raaz Mohammad Doorandesh “embraced martyrdom” in Taliban attacks on Khwaja Sabzposh and Baharak districts in the province bordering Tajikistan, Tariq Arian, an Interior Ministry spokesperson, said in a statement.
According to local officials, Taliban insurgents staged multiple coordinated assaults on security positions late on Tuesday night. Bodies of 34 policemen have been brought to public hospitals so far, Syed Abdul Qayum, a health official, told Anadolu Agency. The Taliban are yet to comment on the deadly attacks that come at a time when the group is engaged in US-brokered peace talks with Kabul in the Qatari capital Doha since Sep. 12.
The Taliban’s lead spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid and the group’s propaganda website have not said anything over the escalating violence across Afghanistan. However, dozens of pro-Taliban social media accounts posted claims of gains made in Helmand and a number of other provinces. Under the US-Taliban peace deal inked in February, the insurgents agreed to halt attacks on major cities and provincial capitals.
However, both sides have accused each other of violating the deal as casualties among Afghan civilians and security forces have soared over recent weeks.
Source: Anadolu Agency