War News for Thursday, August 7, 2014

Kandahar police chief orders execution of militants arrested during operations


Reported security incidents
#1: At least three paramilitary soldiers and two militants were killed today in two separate incidents of violence in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, officials said. Unknown militants attacked the Frontier Corps convoy in Nasirabad area of Turbat district, killing two soldiers and injuring six others, said a security official. In retaliatory fire, two militants were also killed while the others escaped.

#2: Elsewhere, a soldier of Balochistan Constabulary was killed in Quetta when unknown gunmen targeted him. A police official said that the victim was identified as Aziz Khan who died on the spot. The killers managed to escape after the crime.

#3: During a security forces operation in the northern Baghlan province, four Taliban militants were killed and eight others were wounded, the Baghlan Governor's spokesman, Mahmoud Hakmal said.  However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that seven security forces were killed, and 12 others injured.

#4: Additionally in a separate incident, the Badghis police department said that eight militants were killed and 12 were wounded during clashes there. 

#5: Up to 104 Taliban militants have been killed and 33 others wounded in Afghan security forces' operations in two provinces, the country's Interior Ministry said on Thursday. "As part of exerting pressure against Taliban militants, the security forces launched crackdown in surrounding areas of southern Helmand and eastern Nangarhar provinces over the past 72 hours. The security forces battled the militants, killing 104 Taliban militants and wounding 33 others," the ministry said in a statement.

#6: Furthermore, 171 Taliban militants, including several foreign militants, had been killed during nine-day battle in Zharay district of southern Kandahar province which began on July 27, provincial police chief General Abdul Raziq told reporters there earlier on the day. The police chief said about 73 militants were wounded and 65 others detained during the clashes. Several militants' hideouts were also destroyed. The militants tried to gain control of the district near provincial capital Kandahar city, he said, adding 14 security forces personnel died and 17 others were wounded during the fierce clashes.

#7: According to local authorities in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan, the Pakistani military has fired at least 135 rockets in this province during the past 24 hours.

#8: A heavy explosion was heard in capital Kabul late Wednesday night, with preliminary reports suggesting that a rocket landed near the Iranian embassy.

#9: Heavy clashes continue in central Uruzgan province of Afghanistan as scores of Taliban militants launch coordinated attacks in Khas Uruzgan district. According to local government officials, around 900 Taliban militants have taken part in the offensive which was launched five days ago.