Afghan insurgents attack 2 police checkpoints, 6 cops killed

KABUL: At least six police officers were killed by insurgents in two separate attacks on checkpoints in Afghanistan’s northwestern Badghis and eastern Paktia provinces, provincial officials said.

Jamshid Shahabi, provincial governor’s spokesman in Badghis, said two police officers were killed and four others wounded in Tuesday’s attack near Qala-i-Now, the provincial capital.

Shahabi said 11 insurgents were killed and 16 others wounded in the gun battle with police.

Three police vehicles were also burned by the insurgents, but police said they were able to regain control of the area.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban insurgents are active in the province and often launch attacks against security forces.

In eastern Paktia province, Taliban launched a massive attack on Janikhail district police headquarters killing four officers, said Sardar Wali Tabasim, spokesman for the provincial police chief.

Tabasim said six other police were wounded in Monday night’s attack by insurgents.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, he claimed that fighters took control of the entire district.

Tabasim denied that: “Afghan security forces are in control of the district and the Taliban’s attack was repelled,” he said. More than 20 insurgents were killed during the gun battle, Tabasim said.

Eastern Paktia province borders Pakistan and often insurgents cross the border to launch attacks in different districts.