KABUL – Afghan Taliban overran a strategic area of the Balcharagh districtof northwestern Faryab province on Thursday, local officials say.

Uprising commander Dadullah told Pajhwok Afghan News the Archato localityof the district fell as a result of continued insurgent attacks and lack ofattention from the government.

The guerrillas have also gained control of nine security checkpoints in theneighbourhood, home to about 1, 000 families, according to thepro-government commander.

He added three people including a civilian were killed and seven otherswounded as the Taliban stormed the area, Hundreds of people includingchildren and women link> have moved to Kolianarea and the district centre.

While hitting out at the government he said; “We haven’t received supportfrom the governor’s office over the past few months. The area from Talibanhas been lost once again.”

A government official, who wished to go unnamed, said militants capturedseven uprising forces’ posts, two police checkpoints, killed four peopleand wounded seven others.

Sibghatullah Selab, provincial council’s deputy chief, blamed thegovernor’s house for the collapse of Archato area and some securitycheck-posts. He alleged little attention was paid to the security situation.