LASHKARGAH, Afghanistan -- Militants suffered heavy casualties during a third day of fighting with troops in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Wednesday (February 1), officials said.
At least 32 militants and three security personnel were killed in fighting that began Monday (January 30) when militants stormed various outposts in Sangin, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Troops destroyed five militant hideouts and defused 30 land mines in air and ground operations, said Col. Mohammad Rassoul Zazi, a 215th Maiwand Military Corps spokesman in Helmand.
Afghan government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah visited Lashkargah Tuesday (January 31) to assess security in Helmand, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Lashkargah will not fall and troops will clear other parts of Helmand Province of militants, Abdullah assured local residents, according to TOLO News.
