IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Afghanistan

56 killed as Taliban factions clash

Fifty-six militants were killed in a clash between supporters and opponents of Taliban new leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor in Zabul province over the past three days, government spokesman Gul Islam Sayal said on Monday. This is the first clash among Taliban militants since the confirmation in late July of the death of former Taliban fleader Mullah Mohammad Omar.