Afghanistan: 20 killed following Taliban in-fighting in Herat province

Published June 22nd, 2016 - 09:00 GMT
In this photograph taken on November 3, 2015, Afghan Taliban fighters listen to Mullah Mohammad Rasool Akhund (unseen), the newly appointed leader of a breakaway faction of the Taliban, at Bakwah in the western province of Farah. (AFP/Javed Tanveer)
In this photograph taken on November 3, 2015, Afghan Taliban fighters listen to Mullah Mohammad Rasool Akhund (unseen), the newly appointed leader of a breakaway faction of the Taliban, at Bakwah in the western province of Farah. (AFP/Javed Tanveer)

Clashes between rival Taliban groups in Afghanistan's western Herat province left 20 militants dead and another 11 wounded, a government official said on Wednesday.

"The clash on Tuesday did not result in any civilian casualties as it happened in a mountainous area far from residential villages," said Jailani Farhad, a spokesman for Herat's governor.

"Afghan security forces are planning a cleanup operation in the area," said Farhad.

A Taliban splinter faction has been fighting against the main Taliban group for the past year, following news in July that the Taliban's longterm leader, Mullah Omar, had died.

Around 200 fighters from both Taliban sides were killed three months ago in Herat province when clashes erupted in Shindand district.

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