In Afghanistan, Afghan security personnel have abandoned nearly 200checkpoints in restive Kandahar province in recent weeks.
Kandahar Provincial Governor Hayatullah Hayat and a local lawmakerseparately confirmed the situation to AFP, saying commanders would bedisciplined for their actions.
He said Afghan security forces have retreated from 193 checkpoints andoutposts in Zharai, Maiwand, Arghandab and Panjwai districts.
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The Defence Ministry in Kabul denied the reports, insisting governmentforces had been making progress in the region.
