Taliban seize Afghan district

Kabul: An Afghan official hsa said the Taliban has overrun a district headquarters in eastern Afghanistan. Naqib Ahmad Atal, spokesman for the governor of Paktia province, said Afghan security forces withdrew from the Janikhail district headquarters on Saturday to prevent civilian casualties. He said at least five police officers were killed and five others were wounded in heavy fighting. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the fighters have taken over the district and seized weapons, ammunition and military vehicles.