Afghan official says Taliban killed 6 at police checkpoint

The militants have upped their attacks in northern Sari Pul province.

The attack has been owned by Taliban, whose fighters are seen in this file photo in the Shindand district of Afghanistan’s Herat Province.

An Afghan official has said that at least six local police were killed when a group of Taliban fighters attacked and overran their checkpoint in northern Sari Pul province.

Zabi Amani, spokesman for the provincial governor, said on Saturday that two other policemen were wounded in the late Friday night attack.

Mr. Amani said reinforcements arrived and a sporadic gun battle is still under way in Sayad district. He added that three Taliban fighters were killed and two others were wounded in the battle.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Spate in Taliban attacks

Taliban have increased their attacks in the province of late. Last week, Taliban killed 11 Afghan paramilitary forces in Sari Pul.