GARDEZ - Taliban overran the Janikhel district in southeastern Paktia province after days of heavy clashes with security forces, an official said on Saturday.
Ahmad Atal, the Paktia governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the district fell into Taliban’s hands on Friday night, but security forces had launched an offensive to retake it.
He said police and local security forces had retreated to Chamkani district and were preparing to strike back.
Taj Mohammad Mangal, the provincial council chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News up to 50 security forces and over 200 insurgents had been killed and wounded in the overnight clashes.
He said among the dead were notorious Pakistani militant commander Hafiz Rashid and others.  He said the insurgents also captured weapons and ammunition.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the fighters had captured Janikhel district, killing and wounding several armed forces and seizing weapons.
In nother Baghlan province, family members of security personnels besieged in Janikhel staged a protest and demanded safe recovery of their sons.(Pajhwok)