Gov’t forces kill 41 militants in Afghan city: defense ministry

KABUL: AUGUST 3 – Forty-one Taliban militants were killed and 32 others wounded during battles in Herat city, western Afghanistan, the country’s Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday.

On early Tuesday, Afghan security forces, backed by local Public Uprising Forces, continued heavy fighting, as the clashes entered their sixth day and security forces retook more neighbourhoods in the city, capital of western Herat province.

The ministry said in a statement that security forces have also taken control of two bridges from militants, according to the statement.

On Thursday, Taliban militants launched an offensive from the southern and eastern parts of the city, trying to capture the whole city.

Fighting has intensified since May in Afghanistan and Taliban militants have recently been mounting pressures on major cities.

-XINHUA