Afghan Taliban Takes Remote Military Base

Afghan officials say the Taliban has taken control of a military base in the northeastern province of Badakhshan after three days of fighting.

Provincial Governor Shah Wali Adebsaid said on July 26 that the Tirgaran base in Wardoj district came under the militants' control late on July 25.

He said more than 100 police officers surrendered to the insurgents after they didn't get reinforcement from the government.

Provincial police spokesman Lal Muhammad Ahmadzai said the commanders "made a deal" with the Taliban and that the surrender included handing over all the base's equipment to the militants.

"Those troops who didn't want to join the Taliban, have moved back," Ahmadzai added.

The Taliban said in a statement it captured the base along with 110 police officers, their local commander, and the head of the local border police.

Militant attacks increased in once-peaceful Badakhshan after the Taliban joined forces with other insurgent groups there earlier this year.

Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Tolonews.com