Taliban capture northern base as Afghan forces fight in Ghazni

‘The base fell after the soldiers begged for reinforcements and air support from Kabul but were ultimately ignored’

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: Taliban fighters overran a northern Afghan army base, officials said yesterday, killing at least 14 soldiers with dozens feared captured in a stinging blow to security forces already struggling to push insurgents from eastern Ghazni, reports AFP.

The fall of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province came with security forces—who have struggled to hold back the Taliban since NATO combat troops pulled out in 2014 -- already stretched by the days of fighting in Ghazni, a strategic provincial capital two hours from Kabul.

Militants gained control of the base after days of heavy fighting, according to army spokesman for northern Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Rezaee.

He said around 100 soldiers were on the base when it was first attacked Sunday.

“It is a tragedy that the base fell to the enemy. Some soldiers were killed, some captured and some fled to nearby hills,” Rezaee told AFP.

Faryab MP Hashim Otaq said that 14 soldiers were killed and about 40 others were captured by Taliban fighters in the base, known as Chenaya.

Tahir Rehmani—head of Faryab’s provincial council—said the base fell after the soldiers begged for reinforcements and air support from Kabul but were ultimately ignored.

“They were too busy with Ghazni,” said Rehmani.

The city, which the Taliban first assaulted late Thursday, remains in government hands, officials have said.

But the insurgents appeared entrenched there Tuesday, according to residents who said they were burning buildings, killing civilians and firing on security forces conducting a clearing operation. Afghan security forces, beset by killings, desertions and under intense pressure, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014.

The attack on Ghazni is the largest tactical onslaught by the Taliban since an unprecedented truce in June brought fighting between security forces and the Taliban to a brief stop, providing battle-worn Afghans some welcome relief.

Analysts have said the insurgents may be seeking to demonstrate strength as they come under increasing pressure since the ceasefire to join peace talks.

Fears were growing of civilian casualties in Ghazni as Afghan security forces backed by US airpower struggled to push the Taliban out on the fifth day of fighting.

 

Taliban capture northern base as Afghan forces fight in Ghazni

The base fell after the soldiers begged for reinforcements and air support from Kabul but were ultimately ignored

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: Taliban fighters overran a northern Afghan army base, officials said yesterday, killing at least 14 soldiers with dozens feared captured in a stinging blow to security forces already struggling to push insurgents from eastern Ghazni, reports AFP. The fall of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province came with security forceswho have struggled to hold back the Taliban since NATO combat troops pulled out in 2014 -- already stretched by the days of fighting in Ghazni, a strategic provincial capital two hours from Kabul. Militants gained control of the base after days of heavy fighting, according to army spokesman for northern Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Rezaee. He said around 100 soldiers were on the base when it was first attacked Sunday. It is a tragedy that the base fell to the enemy. Some soldiers were killed, some captured and some fled to nearby hills, Rezaee told AFP. Faryab MP Hashim Otaq said that 14 soldiers were killed and about 40 others were captured by Taliban fighters in the base, known as Chenaya. Tahir Rehmanihead of Faryabs provincial councilsaid the base fell after the soldiers begged for reinforcements and air support from Kabul but were ultimately ignored. They were too busy with Ghazni, said Rehmani. The city, which the Taliban first assaulted late Thursday, remains in government hands, officials have said. But the insurgents appeared entrenched there Tuesday, according to residents who said they were burning buildings, killing civilians and firing on security forces conducting a clearing operation. Afghan security forces, beset by killings, desertions and under intense pressure, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014. The attack on Ghazni is the largest tactical onslaught by the Taliban since an unprecedented truce in June brought fighting between security forces and the Taliban to a brief stop, providing battle-worn Afghans some welcome relief. Analysts have said the insurgents may be seeking to demonstrate strength as they come under increasing pressure since the ceasefire to join peace talks. Fears were growing of civilian casualties in Ghazni as Afghan security forces backed by US airpower struggled to push the Taliban out on the fifth day of fighting.