In a Taliban Attack on a Military Outpost in Afghanistan, 10 Killed

During an attack by Taliban militants on a military outpost in Takhar province, Afghanistan, 10 police forces were killed and 9 others were injured. This attack occurred on Friday. The police spokesperson for Takhar province stated that a large number of Taliban forces launched a heavy attack on the military outpost at night. He added that 10 local forces were en route to assist the military outpost when they were ambushed and all were killed. No military personnel present at the outpost were killed during the attack. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, announced that the group claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that the casualties were much higher than officially reported. The day before, a suicide bomber detonated himself in a Shia neighborhood of Kabul, resulting in seven deaths and between 7 to 13 injuries. Ashraf Ghani, the President of Afghanistan, stated last week that there are no preconditions for talks with the Taliban and that the group could be recognized as a political party. Mr. Ghani pointed out that peace talks should consider achievements, national interests, the constitution, and the protection of women's rights. Previously, the Taliban had requested the U.S. to engage directly with their office in Qatar. The group has so far refrained from direct talks with the Afghan government.