ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- At least 14 policemen and two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in attacks by Taliban rebels in Afghanistan's southern Helmand and western Farah provinces, said officials on Thursday.
At least eight policemen were killed and two others wounded when Taliban attacked a security check post in Helmand province.
Deputy police chief of Helmand, Gul Khan told media that the "militants" attacked the check post in Mukhtar Kala area between Greshk and Lashkargarh districts.
He confirmed that eight policemen were killed and two others wounded while manning the check post. He claimed that the attackers also suffered casualties but did not have exact figures. The official suspected that one of the policemen at the check post might have links with Taliban rebels.
According to local media, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmedi claimed that the militants over ran the check post killing several policemen.
Moreover, at least six policemen and two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed in a Taliban attack on security posts in the provincial capital and Anar Dara district of western Farah province.
Provincial council member, Dadullah Qanay told media that Taliban rebels stormed a police post in Ganahkan village on the outskirts of Farah city, the provincial capital, killing at least six policemen.
The council member further said that two ANA soldiers were killed when Taliban fighters stormed their post in the Anar Dara district of the province.
The attacks on the check posts came at a time when Taliban rebels have paced up their attacks across Afghanistan following the announcement of a new strategy, by US President Donald Trump, maintaining more US military presence in the war torn country. (end) sbk.mt