Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and US officials near a deal aimed at ending the 18-year war.
Government officials said 14 members of the militia were killed and several civilians were wounded during clashes in the western province of Herat.
Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for Heart police, said the 14 men were killed in Rubat-e-Sangi district of Herat after a large number of Taliban fighters stormed security checkpoints in the Chahardara area.
"At least nine others are wounded in the clashes and the Taliban militants were pushed back after Afghan forces reinforced the area," said Walizada.
An Afghan official says Taliban insurgents have stormed a checkpoint in western Herat province, killing 14 pro-government militia members.https://t.co/AL1VPTalXo
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) August 28, 2019
Taliban officials were not immediately available for a comment.
via @PerilofAfrica Taliban kill 14 pro-government militia in Afghanistan: officials: Taliban militants killed at least 14 members of a pro-government militia in Afghanistan on Wednesday, said officials, as Taliban and U.S. officials… https://t.co/Q2hNDsVCjq Reuters World News pic.twitter.com/WiLRIpiLVt
— MarthaLeah Nangalama (@mlnangalama) August 28, 2019
US and Taliban officials are said to be nearing an agreement, after months of negotiations, under which the United States would start to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in exchange for Taliban pledges not to allow the country to harbor other Islamic extremist groups.
