Taliban attack police station in Afghanistan, 17 people dead

(Baonghean.vn) - Dozens of Taliban insurgents attacked a police station in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, killing at least 17 police officers, according to information provided by the country's police on June 13.

Afghan police inspect the scene of an explosion in Kabul on May 13. AP photo.

With US forces no longer providing air support to their Afghan allies, Taliban fighters have been attacking government positions this year in an attempt to seize territory in remote areas of the country.

The attack on the night of June 12 took place in Musa Qala district of Helmand, where rebel forces are active.

“The outpost was attacked from all directions and 17 policemen were killed in hours of fighting,” district police chief Mohammad Essa told Reuters by phone, adding that 10 rebels had been killed.

Though poorly trained and poorly equipped, the country’s police are on the front line against the Taliban, often based in outposts in remote areas where they are far more vulnerable to casualties than the better-equipped army.

The Taliban are fighting to overthrow the US-backed government and impose Islamic law. They have stepped up attacks against Afghan forces since last year when foreign troops left, especially in recent months since the weather turned warmer.

Thu Giang

(According to Reuters)