15 soldiers killed in western Afghan attack

KABUL -  At least 15 Afghan soldiers were killed after Taliban attacked their outpost in western province of Farah overnight, local Ariana News TV reported on Saturday. 
The deadly attack was carried out by Taliban militants Friday night in Farah Rod area of Bala Buluk district, northeastern of the provincial capital Farah city, the report quoted Farid Bakhtawar, chairman of the provincial council, as saying. 
Those among the killed were nine members of the Afghan Special Operations Forces, according to the report. 
Additional forces were dispatched to the district after the clashes. 

Several soldiers went missing after the attack during which one armored military vehicle was destroyed and two others were seized by the attackers together with weapons. 
Zabiullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, claimed that 53 Afghan soldiers were killed and injured when Taliban fighters stormed their position in Farah Rod. 

Afghan army and police have repulsed Taliban attacks against Farah city in the past months as the militants have been trying to capture full control of the city and outer parts. 
Violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces over the past three years.