At least 24 Afghan security forces were killed in the past four days in clashes in central Uruzgan province, local officials confirmed on Thursday.
The clashes started four days ago in Chora district of the province, officials said adding that 18 army soldiers and six policemen were killed.
“Nearly 30 Taliban insurgents were also killed in clashes,” officials said adding that “some parts of the district fell to the Taliban but with the arrival of reinforcements, we have re-taken the areas.”
The Ministry of Defense confirmed the battle but said at least 20 soldiers were killed in the fighting.
Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri told reporters at a press briefing that the Taliban launched a coordinated attack on government forces’ outposts in Chora district in Uruzgan, where the reinforcements were sent but despite many efforts they could not save the forces.
“The government forces showed encouragement and they resisted but unfortunately some soldiers were martyred due to a high pressure from the enemy and as our (reinforcement) forces could not reach the area in time. The ministry of defense sends its condolences to their families and wish peace for their departed souls,” he said.
The Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah meanwhile said at a gathering in Kabul that more attention should be paid to the families of security forces killed in battle.
“It is an honor to remember the sacrifices of the Afghan forces and we send our condolences to the families of those who died while defending their country,” he said.
Photographs meanwhile were posted of the fallen soldiers on social media platforms on Thursday – which drove home the fact that so many troops are losing their lives while fighting for their country.
“The problems inside government between leaders results in an inattention to the security forces who sacrifice their lives,” said Ahmad, a resident of Kabul.
“Our forces are sacrificing their lives every day. They are not receiving proper equipment, food and other assistance on the battlefield,” said Haroon Motarif, a civil society activist in Kabul.
Taliban has confirmed the clash.