KABUL, Afghanistan — Taliban insurgents launched separate attacks on Afghan security forces in the country’s north, killing at least 52, provincial officials said Monday. No one claimed responsibility for the attack in Samangan, but Azizi blamed Taliban insurgents that are active in the province and often target Afghan security forces and local, pro-government militias. Gen. Abdul Qayum Baqizai, the provincial police chief, said at least two security forces were killed in the battles. During the three-day cease-fire, pictures circulated of Taliban arm-in-arm with Afghan security forces, singing and taking selfies together. Even Washington’s watchdog, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan’s Reconstruction (SIGAR), in successive reports noted weaknesses within the security forces, including desertions, inadequate training and corruption.

Source: Washington Post September 10, 2018 07:02 UTC