Taliban take over Afghan police base

Taliban militants have gained control of a large police base in Afghanistan's remote northeastern region, after security personnel surrendered following more than three days of fighting.

The loss of the base marks the largest mass surrender by Afghanistan's security forces since US and NATO forces withdrew from the country at the end of 2014, concluding a war that lasted more than a decade.

Around 110 police officers are said to have surrendered to the Taliban, according to a statement issued by the militants. At least 107 of the officers were released hours later, following negotiations with tribal leaders in the area.

Meanwhile, it is unclear why much-needed reinforcements were not sent to the police base during the three days of fighting.

"No reinforcements were sent to help the police at the base for the past three days when they were under the attack, and finally they had no option," said Abdullah Naji Nazari, head of Badakhshan's provincial council, referring to the surrender.

Badakhshan's police chief General Baba Jan said that the local police commander also surrendered to the Taliban and handed over the base's weapons and ammunition, reported AP news agency.

The Wardoj district - where the Tirgaran police base is located - is considered one of the most dangerous districts in the province.

The surrender of the base comes amid direct peace talks between representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban, which the militant group's reclusive leader Mullah Omar has reportedly approved.

ls/bk (AP, dpa)