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Afghan troops recapture district from militants

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-16 20:33

KABUL: Afghan troops regained the control of a district in the southern Helmand province, a statement of Afghan Defense Ministry said Sunday.

An Afghan stained with blood leaves the site of the suicide bomb attack in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Aug. 15, 2009. [Xinhua]

"Nawzad was liberated from the clutch of rebels at 2 pm local time (0930 GMT) today and the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was hoisted there," the brief statement said.

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Early last month troops had restored government control in Khanshin district.

Over ten districts are said to be out of government control in the militancy-hit southern region.

The Afghan government with the support of international forces has decided to restore government authorities in all districts and areas held by Taliban insurgents ahead of the August 20 elections.