MAIMANA - The Police Chief of Ghormach district of northern Faryab province and 18 of his officers have been captured by the Taliban, local officials said Tuesday.

Abdul Baqi Hashemi, head of the local provincial council said the incident happened late Monday and that so far more than 20 Afghan security force members have been killed in Ghormach clashes.

However, local security officials have not yet commented.

Meanwhile, Naqibullah Fayeq, MP from Faryab has also confirmed that the police chief and his men were captured by the Taliban. Fayeq said this was because of a lack of air support during the clashes.

Heavy clashes have been ongoing for a few days in the district. But officials say the Taliban has sustained a heavy casualty toll.

The Taliban has not yet commented on the incident. (Tolonews)