SPIN BOLDAK, Feb 12: At least 700 Taliban fighters have crossed from Pakistan into Afghanistan to attack a key dam, the Helmand governor said on Monday.

“We have got confirmed reports that they are Pakistani, Uzbek and Chechen nationals and have sneaked in,” Governor Asadullah Wafa told Reuters.

He said the fighters had been brought in by local commanders for a joint operation with Al Qaeda.

“They are planning to destroy the Kajaki dam,” he said, accusing the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of providing training and logistical support for the guerrillas.

“Pakistan is supporting the Taliban in order for them to keep fighting on in Afghanistan,” he said.

Several Taliban were killed in an attack near Greshk, the US-led coalition said.—Reuters