FAIZABAD – Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) regained control of Yamgan district in north-eastern Badakhshan province early Sunday after a three-week long battle with Taliban insurgents. In that time, at least 40 Taliban insurgents and eight policemen were killed, local officials said.

In addition, more than 50 insurgents and five policemen were injured.

The military operation was accelerated on Saturday when reinforcement troops were deployed to re-take control of the district, acting governor of Badakhshan, Shah Waliullah Adib said.

"Forty insurgents were killed and more than 50 others injured in the past few days in clashes. Foreign insurgents were also among the dead," he said.

But head of the Provincial Council Abdullah Naji Nazari has said that insurgents stole most of the security forces' equipment.

"Yes! Yamgan district has been cleared of insurgents but there are concerns that the insurgents have stolen the weapons cache and the equipment of the government forces," he said.

Officials from the Interior Ministry meanwhile also confirmed that a number of Taliban leaders and foreign fighters were among the dead.

More than two weeks ago the Taliban attacked Yamgan and took control of the district. Clashes between them and security officials have continued for almost three weeks. However, after reinforcement troops were deployed to the area on Saturday, troops were able to regain control. after clashes with the security forces but early today the security forces re-taken the control of the district after more security forces deployed to support the local security forces. (Tolonews)