13 Taliban killed in Afghanistan airstrike

Kabul July 23 (IANS) A total of 13 militants have been confirmed killed an airstike at a Taliban hideout in Kunduz province of Afghanistan on Sunday an army official said.

"Acting upon intelligence reports the government forces aircraft attacked a Taliban gathering in Bandar-e-Shorab area in Khan Abad district killing 13 rebels on the spot and injuring three others " army spokesman Abdul Khalil told Xinhua news agency.

Taliban militants who have been mounting pressure to overrun Khan Abad district in Kunduz province. have suffered casualties and their attacks have been repulsed he said.

At least 30 militants have been killed in fighting for control of Khan Abad district over the past two days according to security officials.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Kunduz province with Kunduz city as its capital 250 km north of Kabul have not commented on the government claim yet.

--IANS
pgh/vt