The United States in a statement confirmed that the airstrike on the Security Forces compound occurred during a US-supported operation against Taliban insurgents in the area. While much of Helmand province is under the control of Taliban, Afghan national security forces have been waging fierce battles to retake territory. In western Farah province, a ferocious gun battle between the Afghan army and Taliban insurgents left six Afghan soldiers dead and 12 Taliban killed, said Mohammad Naser Mehri, spokesman for the provincial governor. The five-hour battle Friday occurred after Taliban insurgents stormed a compound of the Afghan National Security Force in Pusht Rod district, he said. A Taliban statement meanwhile claimed a victory and said 16 Afghan soldiers were killed.

Source: Bangkok Post July 22, 2017 23:37 UTC