Security Forces Battle To Regain Key Afghan District

More than 100 Taliban insurgents have been killed in air and ground attacks in Musa Qala, southern Afghanistan, the Afghan military said in a statement Saturday.



The militants captured the area -- one of the most strategically important districts in Helmand province and once a key base for NATO forces -- on Wednesday.



The operation against the Taliban, supported by NATO jets, began on Thursday as the Afghan army tried to regain control.



"At least 110 Taliban militants were killed and 28 others wounded during ground operations and air raids," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.



Local media reported that NATO fighter jets conducting rounds of airstrikes on militant targets, including a gathering of Taliban insurgents that killed four leading commanders -- Mullah Abdul Raziq, Mullah Nasir, Mullah Inqilabi and Mullah Raouf.



Omar Zawak, spokesman for the provincial governor, confirmed the attacks to Anadolu Agency and said Afghan security forces had made a number of successes.



"More troops have been sent to Musa Qala to tackle the increasing threats from our enemies," he said.



The Taliban has yet to comment on their casualties.



Musa Qala was once a Taliban stronghold and a center of the opium trade. It was captured in December 2007 after fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO and Afghan forces and became a vital strategic position.



The Taliban has intensified its attacks since April, when it launched a spring offensive.



In another incident in southeastern Ghazni province, a local police commander and six of officers were killed on Friday night when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.



According to Deputy Provincial Governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, the attack occurred in Andar district as the police unit headed towards a base that had come under attack from militants. - Kabil