Taliban kill 18 soldiers in Afghanistan's Farah province

At least 18 Afghan soldiers have been killed by Taliban militants in Afghanistan’s western province of Farah.

Local officials said on Saturday that the overnight attack was carried out in Bala Buluk district, setting off a fierce gun battle.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said four soldiers had been killed but the head of the local provincial council, Farid Bakhtawar, said the death toll had reached 18.

He added that around 25 militants were killed in the battle.

Shortly after the ambush, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujhaid claimed responsibility for the attack.

In recent months, Farah province has witnessed an increase in attacks by militants against security forces. Local officials have called for the deployment of more forces in the province.

SS