Afghan security forces kill almost 100 Taliban fighters over past 48 Hours

On April 4, the Taliban carried out an attack on populated areas in Bala Morgab district, prompting the Afghan security forces to temporarily tactically retreat from their positions to avoid civilian casualties. Kabul then ousted the fighters from their positions, deploying additional units to the area and carrying out airstrikes against the Taliban, and proceeded to clearing operations.

"In the past 48 hour, [the Afghan] joint forces ... have started the second phase (offensive phase) of operations in Badghis. As results, 99 Taliban terrorists were killed and 35 were wounded, tactical vehicles, a large amount weapons and ammunition were seized or were destroyed in the area," the ministry said in a press release, published on its official website.

The ministry added that clashes also claimed the lives of eight soldiers from the Afghan National Army and four police officers, while 34 other security personnel sustained injures.

"Our evacuation teams along with Afghan Air Force, transported our injured to nearest health facilities. All the bodies of our martyred soldiers have been transported to Kabul to be transferred to their respected families," the press release added.

Fierce clashes between the Afghan government forces and Taliban insurgents are not uncommon in the country, which has been torn by conflicts since the late 1970s, including with the involvement of foreign forces.