Friday, September 26, 2014

Taliban feeling neglected by media: Up to 100 Afghans killed, 12 beheaded, in Taliban offensive

Kabul (AFP) - A major Taliban offensive in eastern Afghanistan over the past week has left up to 100 civilians and security personnel dead, 12 of them beheaded, officials said Friday, as violence worsens with the withdrawal of US-led troops.

This summer's fighting season has seen Taliban forces advance in several provinces, exploiting a political deadlock in Kabul over disputed presidential election results.

The latest series of attacks have focused on Ajristan district in the eastern province of Ghazni, after offensives in recent months in Kandahar, Helmand and Logar provinces.

"The militants beheaded 12 civilians in four villages," Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, deputy governor of Ghazni, told AFP.

"We do not have a precise figure, but we estimate 80 to 100 people were killed over the past one week.

"Heavy fighting has involved hundreds of Taliban against the security forces."

"At the moment, the condition is very critical in this district. We have been informed by the central government that they have sent reinforcements."

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