50 Taliban defect to opposition

ISLAMABAD (NNI): At least fifty Taliban have defected to the opposition northern alliance in Pule Khomri area of Baghlan province amidst heavy fighting between the warring factions in Dara-e-Souf district in northern Afghan province of Samangon, reports Radio Tehran.

The radio said that both the factions suffered heavy losses during the encounter. It said that 50 Taliban under the command of commander Qari Khudadad joined the alliance in Pul-e-Khumri are in Baghlan province.

The Northern Alliance sources said that the alliance forces put stiff resistance to the Taliban's offensive launched against Dara-e-Souf in northern Afghan province of Samangon.