Important Taliban commanders were among more than 130 people killed in a recent counter-insurgency operation in the western Herat province, insiders confided to Pajhwok Afghan News on Thursday. A key commander released recently along with four others in exchange for Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo died in the Zerkoh raid, which also left over 50 civilians dead, touched off furious protests and prompted President Hamid Karzai to warn foreign troops against collateral damage.The much-criticised prisoner swap resulted in the release of Ustad Yasir, Mufti Latifullah Hakimi, Mansoor Ahmad, Hamdullah and Mullah Ghaffar.
Tribal elders and Taliban said three militant commanders, including one freed as a result of the prisoner exchange were killed in the Herat operations, jointly conducted by Afghan and Coalition forces.
Haji Abdul Hakim, a Taliban commander in Greshk district of the southern Helmand province, revealed Mullah Ghaffar, Mullah Jan and Mullah Janan perished in the Herat clashes.
Mullah Ahmadullah, a Taliban commander in Marja district, said Mullah Ghaffar was laid to rest in Nawzad and Mullah Lal Jan in Khan Nishin district of Helmand on Wednesday.
Haji Muhammad Wazir, a tribal elder from Marja, confirmed six dead bodies including those of the commanders had been brought to Helmand from Shindand in Herat. Brig Gen Nabi Jan Mullahkhel also said the dead bodies had been brought to Helmand, but stopped short of giving more details