Clash in northern Afghanistan kills 10 civilians

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan

At least 10 civilians were killed and hundreds forced to flee their homes as Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents fought over turf in northern Sar-e-Pul province, officials said Saturday.

Armed Taliban stormed the Sancharak district two days ago and security forces are still trying to push them back.

Mohammad Noor Rahmani, head of the provincial assembly, told Anadolu Agency that 10 civilians, including women and children were killed in the clashes.

"The Taliban are hiding in people's homes and using them as human shields," he said.

Local Azadi Radio reported that a dispute between two pro-government commanders from Hezb-e-Islami and Junbish-e-Islami parties allowed Taliban insurgents to take advantage of the situation and capture Tebar village in the district.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has claimed a clean-up operation by the security forces is in full swing to push the militants back.

According to the governor’s spokesman Zabihullah Amani, 10 militants have been killed and 8 wounded in the ongoing operation.

In August, more than 30 civilians were killed by militants in the province.