Taliban attack kills 40 Afghan soldiers

International Desk: The Taliban launched a major attack on an army base in southern Kandahar province with one lawmaker saying at least 40 Afghan soldiers were killed.

The brazen assault began with two suicide car bombings, setting of several hours of fighting.

Khalid Pashtun, a member of parliament from the province, said at least 41 soldiers were killed in the attack, which began late Wednesday.

Defence Ministry spokesman Daulat Waziri confirmed the assault but declined to comment on the number of casualties.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in a media statement.

The TOLOnews agency quoted sources as saying 24 troops were also wounded.

Afghan forces have struggled to combat a resurgent Taliban since the US and NATO forces formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014.

Source: Agencies



risingbd/Oct 19, 2017/Mukul