Afghanistan: Taliban infighting leaves nearly 70 militants dead
Almost 70 Taliban fighters have been killed during factional infighting within the movement in Afghanistan’s western Herat province, local media reported Wednesday.
Two senior regional leaders were among the 67 militants killed during clashes between Taliban factions, the Khaama Press newspaper reported.
Mullah Malik and Mullah Wakil, who were senior Taliban leaders in the neighboring Farah province, were reportedly killed during the clashes, which also left 65 people wounded. The clashes are continuing, according to the newspaper.
The publication stated, citing local officials, that fighting broke out between groups loyal to high-ranking Taliban leaders Mullah Samad and Mullah Nangialai.
Recent infighting between Taliban factions was first reported in late 2015, when Taliban loyalists clashed with a splinter group aligned with the Islamic State (Daesh).