LASHKARGAH - The Taliban militants have captured several villages in Gereshk district of southern Helmand province.

Muhammad Karim Atal, the chairman of Helmand Provincial Council, said: "We witnessed the collapse of a village in Gereshk two days ago. Unfortunately, Adam Khan village also fell to the Taliban last night."

He said at least 14 Afghan troops have been killed and nine others wounded.

Local residents voiced their concerns that prolonging the war in Gereshk will lead to civilian casualties.

"We are concerned about prolonging the war and the Taliban have captured several villages during the fighting," said Muhammad Khan, a resident of Gereshk district.

The Provincial Police Chief, Abdul Rahman Sarjang, however, said Afghan forces have the upper hand in the fighting. He added that 20 insurgents have been killed and 15 others injured.

"Our forces at a checkpoint in Adam Khan village fought for five days, after that their equipment was finished, they tactically retreated 1.5 kilometers back and now we are on the defensive," he said, adding the Taliban have sustained heavy casualties in the fighting.

The fighting between Afghan security forces and the Taliban militants started around six days ago, when a large group of Taliban insurgents attacked several areas of the province and captured several villages. (Tolonews)