AFGHAN DISTRICT FALLS TO TALIBAN

KABUL: Darqad district in northern Afghanistan’s Takhar province fell to the Taliban at 4am (7.30am yesterday in Malaysia), an official said, after a six-hour battle. “The Taliban attacked the district centre from several sides and were able to take the district,” police spokesman Khalil Asif said. “Twelve police and two Taliban were killed in the attack,” Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said. Takhar was among the most volatile provinces with several districts contested. – dpa