Taliban captures military base

Afghan security forces, beset by killings, desertions and under intense pressure, have been struggling to beat back insurgents since US-led NATO troops ended their combat mission in December 2014 AFP/AREF KARIMI

Mazar-i-Sharif — Taliban fighters overran a northern Afghan army base, officials said Tuesday, killing at least 14 soldiers with dozens feared captured and others said to have fled in the latest blow to the country’s security forces.

Militants gained control of the base in Ghormach district of volatile Faryab province after days of heavy fighting, according to army spokesman Mohammad Hanif Rezaee, adding that 100 soldiers were on the base at the time.

Ghafor Ahmad Jawed said the insurgents overrun the base late on Monday night in Faryab province, in the district of Ghormach, after besieging it for three days.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in Faryab.

He said 57 Afghan soldiers surrendered to the Taliban while 17 others were captured in battle. He added eight military Humvees were seized. AP and AFP