Taliban attack US-Afghan base in Helmand, killing 6 Afghan soldiers

A heavy fighting has erupted between Afghan soldiers and militants after the Taliban stormed an Afghan army base in the country’s southern province of Helmand, killing at least six soldiers.

The militants stormed into the army base — the Corps 215 Maywand in Shorab area of Helmand — at early hours of Friday, said an army source.

“Afghan soldiers of 215 Maiwand Corps stopped the Taliban from gaining control of the military compound, we have reports that six Afghan soldiers were killed during the clashes," a senior Afghan security official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Security sources said members belonging to foreign forces present at the base were safe as the Taliban could not breach walls of their compound.

According to a report by local Tolo News TV, some 21 militants were involved in the attack. Provincial and defense officials said at least four assailants were killed.

"Three suicide bombers detonated their explosive belts and six militants were shot dead by army soldiers," the report said.

It also said that several army troops were wounded during the gunfight.

"Right now, the Afghan commando forces are carrying out a clean-up operation in the area," said Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

US forces spokesman Colonel Dave Butler also confirmed the attack in a Twitter message, saying, "The attack was repelled by the brave Afghan Security Forces."

"Taliban fighters were initially able to gain access to the Afghan base but were stopped by Afghan forces,” he said later.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

SS