Taliban attack kills 12 policemen in S. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- At least 12 policemen were killed and over 15 others wounded when Taliban rebels attacked security check posts in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, said officials on Sunday.
A senior member of the Nawa district council, Abdul Baqi Khan confirming the attacks said that Taliban rebels attacked security check posts in the Nawa district of Helmand ensuing gun battles that lasted for several hours.
At least 12 policemen including a post commander were killed and two check posts collapsed in the attack. Helmand police chief, Brig. Gen Abdul Ghaffar Sapi claimed that Taliban rebels also suffered heavy casualties in the firefight.
According to local media, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmedi claimed that 17 policemen were killed in the fighting that took place near the district center.
The attack by the rebels came at a time when Taliban have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan following the launch of their summer offensive against the Afghan and foreign forces. (end) sbk.mt