KABUL: In the conflict-ridden Afghanistan, 20 armed militants gave up fighting and 19 others lost their lives in clashes with security forces over the past 24 hours.
In the latest incident, a 20-member armed group laid down their weapons and joined the government-backed peace process in Badakhshan province with Faizabad as its capital, 315 kilometres northeast of the national capital Kabul yesterday, police said.
“A total of 20 armed oppositions under Mullah Abdul Ahad gave up fighting in Wardoj district today and joined the peace process,” deputy to Badakhshan provincial police chief Abdul Qadir Sayad said.
With joining these people to the government-backed peace process, the security situation will further improve in Badakhshan province, the official added.
Taliban militants, who are active in parts of Badakhshan province and fighting the government to regain power, have yet to make comment.
In another incident, the government forces have killed 19 armed Taliban fighters during series of operations across the country over the past 24 hours, the Interior Ministry said in a statement released yesterday.
“Police in conjunction with the army personnel have conducted operations in Paktika, Paktiya and Kunar provinces over the past 24 hours during which 19 armed Taliban members were killed and three others wounded,” the statement said.Agencies
