At least 65 Afghan security force members reportedly surrendered to the Taliban in southern Helmand province on Friday, local officials said.Mirza Rahimi, the provincial governor, said at a press conference on Saturday that "65 Afghan security force members including three commanders surrendered in Sangin district," and that "the situation is under control in the district."
Rahimi said in the past month more than 200 Taliban insurgents were killed and injured.
"Eighty five Afghan security force members and three civilians were also killed in clashes," he said.
"More troops have arrived and we have started military operations in Marjah district and the forces have re-taken control of most of the areas which were under control of insurgents but clashes continue."
But provincial council officials rejected these claims and said "so far no operation has been launch in Marjah."
However, the officials said that heavy clashes are also ongoing in the capital of Sangin district but so far no reports of casualties has emerged.
Ministry of Defense officials say it ain't so