KABUL (AA) – Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said Wednesday that Afghan forces had killed 23 Taliban insurgents, injured three and captured another four within the last 24 hours.
"These insurgents were killed, wounded and arrested in the last 24 hours during military operations," the ministry said in a statement mailed to Anadolu Agency.
The operations were conducted by Afghan and foreign forces in the Zabul, Kandahar, Farah, Paktika, Khost and Ningrahar provinces.
"The security situation in those areas is much better now after the military operations," the statement read.
Security forces reportedly seized 14 AK-47 assault rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), two PK1 submachine guns, two walkie-talkies and ammunition.
"We strongly reject this claim [made by] the frustrated enemy," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AA.
Mujahid asserted that Afghan security forces had made no headway in any part of the country and were surrendering territory to the Taliban on a daily basis.
This year, Afghan forces assumed total responsibility for security across the violence-wracked country, as US-led foreign forces prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001 before being ousted by US-led forces following the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington.
The Taliban have recently stepped up attacks on government targets and US-led foreign forces.
By Zubair Babakarkhail
englishnews@aa.com.tr
