10 militants killed in Afghan clash

Kabul, June 26 (IANS/AKI) Ten Taliban fighters, including two Pakistanis, and a police commander were killed in a gun battle in southwest Afghanistan, an official said.

The clash erupted in Nimroz province when about 60 Taliban, including their Pakistani fellows, attacked a police checkpoint in the Chakhansoor district early Friday, provincial police chief, Abdul Jabbar Pordili, was quoted as saying by Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said the clash that lasted three hours left 10 attackers dead and three wounded. One policeman and a civilian were also injured in the clash, he added.

The militants, who were travelling in 14 cars, were believed to belong to Muhammad Omar, a notorious rebel commander in Khashrod district, the police chief said.

Chakhansoor district chief Agha Muhammad confirmed the militant casualties, saying the check-post commander was also killed.

The Taliban did not immediately comment on Friday’s deadly clash.

–IANS/AKI