LOC16:51
13:51 GMT
ISLAMABAD, July 29 (KUNA) -- At least 16 Afghan policemen were killed and 12 others wounded in coordinated attacks by Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's southern Helmand and Ghazni provinces, said officials on Saturday.
Helmand's provincial governor spokesman Omar Zwak told the media that Taliban rebels launched coordinated attacks on a police check post in Samad Square area in Nawa district of Helmand killing at least 12 policemen and injuring nine others.
According to the local media, Taliban rebels claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Helmand Governor, Hayatullah Hayat also confirmed the overnight attacks.
Separately, an Afghan district police chief has been killed along with three other policemen in a clash with Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province on Saturday.
Provincial police spokesman Fahim Amarkhel told the media that the firefight erupted in the Waro area of Gilan district killing four policemen including district chief, Captain Abdul Mateen and wounded three others. The official claimed that seven rebels were also killed in the clashes.
The coordinated attacks came at a time when Taliban rebels have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan following their launch of summer offensive against the foreign and Afghan security forces. (end)
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