Up to 20 Afghan casualties reported at large base that also houses U.S. troops.
By Sayed Salahuddin March 1 at 4:45 AM KABUL — Taliban suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a major army base in southern Helmand province early Friday, reportedly killing a number of Afghan troops, as a new round of peace talks between U.S. officials and Taliban delegates in Qatar was underway.
There were no reports of casualties among the U.S. advisory troops who are housed in the same base, officials said. But the attack, which began before dawn, lasted until midmorning. Afghan forces battled insurgents, armed with grenade launchers, who penetrated the sprawling and heavily fortified joint base.
The insurgent spokesman, Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi, said Friday’s assault had caused serious damage to a fleet of military helicopters parked inside the base. An aide to the Helmand governor denied that claim. He also said there were only nine attackers and all had been killed.Both sides in the 17-year conflict have continued aggressive actions as the talks have proceeded.
Both sides withdrew for private consultations Friday, while various reports circulated about the content of their joint discussions. Taliban leader had said this week’s meetings would focus on their demand for the total withdrawal of total U.S. troops from Afghanistan, in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghan soil would not be used against U.S. or foreign interests.
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