WEB DESK
Four militants including a Taliban key commander Mawlawi Ataullah have been confirmed dead as clash flared up in Raghistan district of Afghanistan’s northern Badakhshan province, provincial government spokesman Nik Mohammad Nazari said today.
The clash erupted early this morning after the Taliban militants stormed security checkpoints and police returned fire, killing four including Mawlawi Ataullah alias Mawlawi Ibrahim on the spot, forcing the insurgents to retreat, the official added.
Describing the killed Mawlawi as key commander, the official asserted that Mawlawi Ataullah had served as deputy for military commission of the Taliban in Badakhshan, saying his death could prove a major setback to the Taliban in Badakhshan and adjoining areas.
Two policemen have also been injured in the fighting, Nazari said, adding that security forces have been chasing the insurgents in Raghistan district to stabilize security there.
Taliban militants who have intensified activities amid ongoing peace talks in Doha haven’t commented.