Taliban attacks kill 18 security personnel in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (KUNA) -- At least 18 security personnel were killed in two separate attacks by Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's eastern Helmand and southwestern Paktia provinces, said officials on Thursday.
Provincial Governor, Hayatullah Hayat told media that at least 14 security force members were killed in an ambush by Taliban rebels in Helmand's Raig area of Maiwand district.
He said the security force members were on a mission in a remote area of the province to arrest drug smugglers when they were attacked by the "militant" group.
Commander for 505 police zone, Brig Gen Ghulam Dawood Tarakhel confirming the incident said that security forces did not coordinate with relevant security institutions before heading to the mission.
Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousaf Ahmedi said that the fighters killed several security personnel and captured weapons, ammunitions and some police vehicles.
Separately, Taliban rebels have captured a check-post in Janikhel district of southwestern Paktia province of Afghanistan killing at least four policemen. District police chief, Naeem Katawazai told media that insurgents stormed police check post in the Barlak area.
He confirmed that assailants captured the check-post killing at least four policemen. Taliban rebels claimed responsibility of the attack saying that they have recovered weapons from the security post.
The attacks came at a time when Taliban rebels have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan following the announcement of US President Donald Trump to maintain presence of US troops in the war torn country. (end) sbk.ibi