Afghanistan forces foil attack on Aybak, kill 20 Taliban militants

An army soldier patrols as stranded people wait for the reopening of the border crossing point which was closed by the authorities, in Chaman on August 7, after the Taliban took control of the town. Pic/AFP

At least 20 Taliban militants were killed and eight others injured after Afghan government forces foiled an attack on Aybak city, capital of the northern province of Samangan, the Interior Ministry confirmed on Monday.

The Ministry said in a statement that Taliban fighters fled surrounding areas of the city after casualties were inflicted, reports Xinhua news agency. The militants stormed the city from several directions on Sunday night, trying to take control.

Earlier on the day, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wrote on social media that the insurgents seized control of several areas in Aybak. On Sunday night, Taliban also attacked Pul-e-Khumri city, capital of neighbouring Baghlan province, triggering heavy battles, according to local sources.

Many Afghan cities and about half of the country's 34 provinces have been the scene of heavy battles and street fighting in recent weeks as Taliban militants continued their fighting against security forces.

‘Taliban received explosives from Pak'

The Taliban have received men, weapons and explosives but also direction from across our southern frontiers, which is Pakistan, said Ahmad Shuja Jamal, head of international affairs at Afghanistans National Security Council. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he said, "That is why (they) are able to put up with such a stiff resistance across the country."

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