Armed clashes with Taliban militants have killed at least five policemen in Afghanistan’s southern Helmand Province, police officials said on August 19.
General Abdul Ghafar Safi, the provincial police chief, said at least six other policemen were wounded in the attack late on August 18 in Nawa district. Clashes were still ongoing early in the morning on August 19.
Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Taliban control at least 80 percent of Helmand Province and have intensified attacks on security force bases and checkpoints.
The Taliban also attacked a checkpoint in the provincial capital, Tarin Kot, in neighboring Uruzgan Province.
One policeman and 15 Taliban insurgents were killed, according to a spokesman for the provincial governor. Three other policemen were wounded.
The Taliban has stepped up attacks across the country in recent months.
In an “open letter” to U.S. President Donald Trump last week, the Taliban called for the withdrawal of all remaining U.S. troops.
Some 8,400 U.S. service members remain in Afghanistan after most NATO forces pulled out in 2014.