The death toll of air raids against Taliban militants in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province Sunday has heightened to 70, provincial governor Arsalla Jamal said.
"In the successful air strikes and clash with the rebels in Spera district early this morning up-to 70 enemies were killed," Jamal told Xinhua.
The militants, he added, crossed the border from Pakistan's tribal area of North Waziristan and stormed district headquarters at 2:30 a.m. local time, during which the headquarters had been slightly damaged.
Earlier, a military officer in the area Mohammad Israr put the number of Taliban casualties at 21.
However, the provincial governor confirmed that two police constables were killed and four others wounded in the firefight that lasted for a while.
On the other hand, Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid disputed the claim, adding no militants had been killed in the battle.
Mujahid also claimed that eight policemen were killed and two police vans were destroyed in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force(ISAF) confirmed the clash, saying the operation in Spera district is still going on.
Afghan officials often accuse Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and describe the tribal area as a safe haven for militants, but Islamabad refutes the allegations as baseless.
Both Taliban and government officials often exaggerate the casualties on rival sides. Moreover, no independent sources were available to confirm the exact figure of casualties inflicted on both sides in the battle and air raids.
Spiraling militancy and conflicts have left around 2,500 dead including militants, troops and civilians since January this year in Afghanistan.
Source:Xinhua
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