Afghan Taliban capture strategic area in northern Afghanistan
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KABUL - Afghan Taliban overran a strategic area of the Balcharagh district of northwestern Faryab province on Thursday, local officials say.
Uprising commander Dadullah told Pajhwok Afghan News the Archato locality of the district fell as a result of continued insurgent attacks and lack of attention from the government.
The guerrillas have also gained control of nine security checkpoints in the neighbourhood, home to about 1, 000 families, according to the pro-government commander.
He added three people including a civilian were killed and seven others wounded as the Taliban stormed the area, Hundreds of people including children and women <link> have moved to Kolian area and the district centre.
While hitting out at the government he said; “We haven’t received support from the governor’s office over the past few months. The area from Taliban has been lost once again.”
A government official, who wished to go unnamed, said militants captured seven uprising forces’ posts, two police checkpoints, killed four people and wounded seven others.
Sibghatullah Selab, provincial council’s deputy chief, blamed the governor’s house for the collapse of Archato area and some security check-posts. He alleged little attention was paid to the security situation.