An Afghan official says a devastating Taliban attack overthe weekend on an army outpost in southern Helmand province killed 26 soldiersand seven policemen — casualties the country’s defense ministry has refused todisclose.
Provincial council chief Attahullah Afghan told TheAssociated Press on Monday that the attack took place in Sangin district onFriday and that it also left 31 soldiers wounded.
The Taliban claimed the attack a day later, on Saturday.There was no government statement on the attack.
Afghan military spokesman Nawab Shah said government jetsaided the besieged troops and eventually sent reinforcements to Helmand, an oldTaliban heartland. He refused to discuss casualties.
The insurgents stage near-daily attacks on Afghan forces,inflicting staggering casualties, even as they hold peace talks with the UnitedStates.