![>](style_images/Executiv-909/nav_m.gif)
Taliban kill 21 at start of Afghan spring fighting:
The Taliban unleashed a wave of attacks that killed 21 people around the country, making a show of strength to start the spring fighting season. The annual surge in violence poses a new test for Afghan security forces, who for the first time will face it largely on their own as international combat forces prepare to withdraw. Ref. Source 8
19 Taliban Insurgents Killed in ANSF Operations:
At least 19 Taliban militants including their leaders were killed in the past 24 hours during a nationwide operation led by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said in a statement on Sunday. Ref. Source 4
Over 100 people killed as Taleban storm Afghan district?:
Hundreds of Taleban fighters have stormed a strategic district in an Afghan province not far from the capital, killing dozens of people in five days of fighting and the insurgents could capture the area, officials said on Friday Ref. Source 1
Taliban behead 15 civilians including women, children in Ghazni:
Provincial governor spokesman, Shafiq Nang said the victims were family members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan Local Police (ALP) forces. In the meantime, provincial security chief, Asadullah Insafi said Taliban militants have torched over 60 houses following the attack in Ajristan district. Ref. Source 5
Pakistani Taliban leaders pledge allegiance to Islamic State:
In another sign of the Middle East-based Islamic State's expanding influence, the chief spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban and five regional commanders declared allegiance Tuesday to the group and its chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Ref. Source 2
Taliban attack on Afghan court kills 7 people:
Four attackers wearing army uniforms attacked the provincial appeals court, setting off a four-hour gun battle with Afghan security forces, Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, provincial police spokesman, told AFP news agency. Ref. Source 1