Official: Fighting erupts between Taliban, rival militants in Afghanistan; at least 50 dead

Taliban, rival militants battle in Afghan province

KABUL — Officials say gunbattles between the Taliban and another Islamist faction have killed at least 50 people in northeastern Afghanistan. The militants are apparently fighting for control of several villages where the central government has almost no presence.

Local police official Zalmai Mangal says the fighting in Baghlan province Sunday appears to be a power struggle between local Taliban forces and the Hezb-e-Islami militia loyal to warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

Violent clashes between anti-government Islamist factions are rare, although various militias have their own agendas and power struggles are relatively common.