5 militants killed in overnight firefight in Herat

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): At least five Taliban fighters were killed during a clash with security forces in weste Herat province, an official said on Thursday.

Jilani Farhad, the goveor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the clash took place in Doshakh area of Ghorian district on Wednesday night, leaving at least five Taliban insurgents dead including a commander, Mullah Bashir.

Bodies of the slain fighters had been shifted to Shindand district, he said, claiming security forces escaped unharmed during the firefight.

The clash came after insurgents blocked the Gulran-Herat city highway on Wednesday and security forces arrived to clear the road, forcing the rebels into fleeing.

Residents of Ghorian district told Pajhwok Afghan News insecurity had lately increased in the district. They asked the govement to suppress the rebels before they widened their ranks.

Farhad Haidiri, a resident of Ghorian district, said it was a second clash between security forces and militants this week. “We need a clearing operation in the district.”

Ghulam Sarwar, another resident, said: “We don’t want our district to be a Taliban’s hideout like the Shindand district. The security forces should conduct clearing operations in the district.”

On Saturday, three Taliban were killed, including their shadow district chief for Ghorian, during a clash.

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