Afghan Forces Kill 117 Militants During Taliban Attacks In Ghazni Province - Reports

A total of 117 militants of the Taliban radical movement have been killed in clashes with the Afghan security forces in the central-eastern Ghazni province, after the Taliban launched an offensive in the region on Wednesday, local media reported on Monday, citing the country's National Security Council.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th November, 2018) A total of 117 militants of the Taliban radical movement have been killed in clashes with the Afghan security forces in the central-eastern Ghazni province, after the Taliban launched an offensive in the region on Wednesday, local media reported on Monday, citing the country's National Security Council.

On Wednesday, media reported that the Taliban movement had attacked the province's Jaghori district. On Sunday, the Taliban carried out another attack in the district, killing at least 25 people, including 15 civilians, and injuring 17 others, while a separate attack was also launched in the Malistan district, according to reports.

According to the 1TV broadcaster, the National Security Council confirmed that the Afghan forces had lost 30 soldiers during the clashes in the province, adding, however, that 117 militants were killed during the fighting as well.

The security council also said that the government forces had renewed their airstrikes, which were suspended because of adverse weather conditions, the broadcaster reported.

Additional security forces had already been dispatched to the Ghazni province, and the Afghan chief of General Staff, Gen. Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, would pay a visit to the area to evaluate the situation, the broadcaster said, citing the council.

The Taliban attack led to protests in the country's capital, Kabul, where hundreds of Afghans reportedly took to the streets to urge the government to take measures and oust the militants from the area.

The Taliban movement has been one of the major forces opposing Kabul, as its militants seized power in the country in 1996 before being overthrown in 2001 only to continue fighting the government as insurgents. In 2015, the notorious Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) started operating in the country as well. The Afghan military have been carrying out regular counterterrorism raids.