Taliban militants storm Afghan provincial capital, clashes continue

KABUL –Taliban militants attacked Farah city, provincial capital of western Afghan province of Farah early Tuesday, in a coordinated effort to seize full control of the city, a provincial security source said. 

"The militants attacked the city from different outer neighborhoods at early hours of the day. They captured several security checkpoints inside and around the city. Fighting and sporadic clashes are still ongoing Tuesday morning," the source told Xinhua. 

Local media reported that the militants take control of several government offices, including the provincial department of National Security Directorate (NDS), the country's intelligence agency. 

Several security forces and militants were killed and injured during the clashes, according to the reports. Scores of civilians were fleeing the city to seek safer places in the province, 695 km west of Afghan capital of Kabul, bordering Iran. 

The province has been the scene of heavy clashes between Taliban and security forces over the past few months. Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency. They have intensified armed attacks against security forces across the country since April 25 when the Taliban's so-called yearly rebel offensive started.Enditem 
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