Afghan conflict: Taliban in first major attack since Eid truce

The Taliban have killed about 30 Afghan soldiers in western Afghanistan in their first major attacks since a temporary ceasefire expired.

Militants stormed at least two army check points in Badghis province before ambushing reinforcements sent to help.

The Taliban also suffered casualties, officials said. The militants ended a three-day truce on Sunday as the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr ended.

The government said it would continue to observe a unilateral ceasefire.

Jamshad Shahbi, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said at least 10 soldiers were killed in an overnight attack in Merghab district, and a further 19 were killed when a convoy of reinforcements was ambushed and hit by roadside bombs.

Mr Shahbi also said 16 suspected militants died, but there was no way of confirming that figure.

Abdul Aziz Bek, the head of the provincial council, told Reuters news agency that "large numbers of Taliban came from several directions".

"After hours of heavy fighting 30 Afghan security forces were killed and the Taliban captured the base," he said.

Unconfirmed reports suggested attacks on other security posts in the same district. Provincial officials accused the Taliban of using the truce to prepare the attacks.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS
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