Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Taliban Attacks Kill Over 40 Afghan Security Forces

by Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD --

   Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan have killed as many as 40 government
   soldiers and police forces in two separate attacks.

   Afghan officials said Saturday the overnight violence in northern
   Kunduz and western Herat provinces also injured at least six security
   personnel.

   Provincial authorities in Kunduz said the Taliban ambushed police posts
   in the Qala-e-Zal district late Friday, killing 24 personal stationed
   there.

   A provincial government spokesman in Herat told VOA that about 150
   Taliban fighters stormed Afghan National Army posts in the newly
   created Zawal district, killing 17 soldiers.

   The Taliban claimed responsibility for carrying out both the attacks,
   saying it also overran several security posts and seized military
   equipment, including weapons.

   The Islamist insurgency has inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan forces
   since launching its spring offensive in April and reportedly killed
   around 500 personnel last month. The fighting also killed more than 180
   Afghan civilians in May.