Global General

Over 60 insurgents killed in N. Afghanistan: NATO

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-19 14:24

KABUL - Afghan and NATO-led forces had killed over 60 insurgents during three-day military operation in Faryab province, some 425 km northwest of capital city of Kabul, the military alliance said on Thursday.

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"Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) killed more than 60 insurgents during clearing operations in Qiasar district, Faryab province in a three-day operation which began Friday," said a statement released by NATO-led ISAF here. ?

According to the statement, the combined force cleared the area around Ghuchghar village after receiving reports of insurgent activities.

"In the ensuing engagements, the combined force reported destroying 23 motorcycles used by insurgents, several rocket propelled grenades, machine guns, numerous assault rifles and accompanying ammunition."

Afghan and NATO officials often use the world "insurgents" for referring to Taliban militants. However, the militant group who announced on April 30 to start spring offensive against Afghan and NATO-led international forces have yet to make comments. ?

Both security forces and Taliban fighters have intensified activities to consolidate positions since beginning spring known as "fighting season" in the war-ravaged Afghanistan. ?

Presently more than 140,000 NATO and US forces have stationed in Afghanistan curbing the Taliban-led insurgency in its 10th year.