31 Troops, 81 insurgents killed in fresh offensives in Afghanistan
Kabul, Sep 10 : At least 31 members of the security forces and 81 Taliban rebels were killed, while dozens of others were wounded in three offensives by the insurgents earlier in the day in the northern and central Afghanistan, an official told the media on Monday.
In the northern Kunduz province, the Taliban had launched an overnight attack on a security check post in Dasht-e-Archi district, killing 13 people and wounding 15 others, according to Provincial Council head Yusuf Ayubi.
Kunduz police spokesperson Inamuddin Rahmani confirmed the attack but claimed that only two policemen were killed and four were wounded in the attack, adding that all 11 insurgents were killed by the forces, Efe news agency reported.
Dozens of the Taliban militants had also carried out an attack at the centre of Khamaab district, in northern Jawzjan, and laid siege on government buildings and security outposts, according to provincial security chief Hafiz Khashi.
"Eight of our security forces were killed and three injured, while 10 Taliban were also killed and 13 were injured," said Khashi, adding that the area was currently under the control of the insurgents.
A similar offensive in Daimirdad district, in central Maidan Wardak province, left 10 Afghan troops - including the local police chief - dead, whereas 60 insurgents were killed and a hundred wounded, according to Maidan Wardak governor's spokesperson Rahim Mangal.
"Some parts of the district fell to the Taliban but the security forces could successfully defend the district center and a counter attack was also launched to recover the lost territory," Mangal added.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the three attacks in two statements, claiming 126 security forces members were killed.
The Taliban are, however, known to exaggerate the extent of damage following their attacks. Three weeks ago President Ashraf Ghani had offered a ceasefire proposal to the insurgents.
The Taliban are yet to respond to the offer, and military operations and insurgent attacks have continued in the meantime.
According to the US, the Afghan government controls about 56 percent of the country and the Taliban controls 11 percent, while the rest of the territory is under dispute.
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Domestic LPG cylinder costlier by Rs 60, commercial up Rs 115 amid West Asia conflict
New Delhi (PTI): The prices of domestic LPG and commercial cylinders were hiked by a steep Rs 60 and Rs 114.5, respectively, amid rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict.
Non-subsidised LPG, the one that common household users other than the Ujjwala beneficiaries use in their kitchens, will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. This is the second increase in prices in less than a year.
Industry officials said the increase follows a steep rise in global energy prices since the breakout of military conflict in West Asia.
Despite the price increase, cooking gas in India is priced at the lowest when compared with neighbouring countries, they said.
The price increase, the website showed, is effective from March 7.
This is the second increase in rates in 11 months. Prices were last hiked by Rs 50 in April last year.
In Mumbai, non-subsidised LPG now costs Rs 912.50, Rs 939 in Kolkata and Rs 928.50 in Chennai, according to the IOC website.
Rates differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.
Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries, the over 10 crore poor who have got free LPG connections since the scheme was launched in 2016, will continue to get a subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills in a year.
The price of commercial LPG, the one used by establishments such as hotels and restaurants, was increased by Rs 114.5 per 19-kg cylinder. It now costs Rs 1,883 in Delhi. This increase comes on top of the Rs 28 per 19-kg cylinder increase on March 1.
Commercial LPG rates have risen by Rs 302.50 this year.
