Taliban ambush kills 11 soldiers in western Afghanistan

(Baonghean) - On June 29, the Afghan government said Taliban insurgents ambushed a military convoy in Herat province, western Afghanistan, killing 11 soldiers.

Afghan soldiers.

The Afghan army also confirmed the attack, adding that four soldiers were also wounded in the ambush. Zafar 207 Corps spokesman Najibullah Najibi said the five-hour battle left 11 soldiers and six Taliban dead. The attack followed heavy fighting in northern Kunduz province last week.

The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in recent months, especially since launching their annual “spring offensive” in April. The Taliban call this period “Azm” (meaning determination) and have called on militants to launch attacks across the country, making this summer the bloodiest in Afghanistan in a decade.

Meanwhile, Afghan security forces are facing a battle against the Taliban without NATO support. According to a previously signed agreement, from January 2015, about 12,500 troops of the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan will not participate in direct combat but will instead switch to a training and advisory role, ending NATO's 13-year involvement in Afghanistan.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters June 29)