Security forces retake Musa Qala district in Helmand after fierce fighting

“Following successful operations, the security forces inflicted huge casualties to the Taliban rebels in Musa Qala district and re- established government control there Sunday morning,” the statement said.

According to the statement, some 120 militants were killed and some 80 others sustained injuries in the operations.

Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for the defense ministry, said Sunday that several foreign insurgents were among those killed.

Notorious for growing poppies and militancy, Helmand, with Lashkar Gah as its capital 555 km south of the national capital Kabul, has been regarded as Taliban hotbed in the conflict-ridden country.

The government forces cleared the militants from Musa Qala district in the wee hours of Sunday.

Defense ministry officials said that Afghanistan chief of Army Staff General Qadam Shah Shaheem is monitoring cleanup operations to ensure lasting peace in Musa Qala and adjoining areas.

Taliban militants, who on Friday claimed overrunning Musa Qala district as “big victory,” have yet to make any comments.

In another development, a clash in Helmand’s neighboring Zabul province between supporters of Taliban new leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor and militants loyal to Taliban late leader Mullah Omar’s family has left at least five people from either side dead.

Omar’s son Mullah Yaqub, who has challenged Mansoor’s leadership as illegal, warned of eruption of infighting among Taliban fighters if Mansoor continues leading the group