Militant attack leaves 4 dead in west Afghanistan
Iran Press TV
Tue Jun 24, 2014 12:22PM GMT
At least four people, including two policemen, have been killed after a group of unidentified militants launched an attack on a security checkpoint in Afghanistan's western province of Herat.
Administrative district chief Mohammad Rafiq Alokozay said gunmen opened fire and lobbed hand grenades at the checkpoint in Obe district of the province, situated 640 kilometers (397 miles) west of the Afghan capital Kabul, at around 11 a.m. local time (0630 GMT) on Tuesday.
The assault also left two policemen and five civilians wounded, Alokozay added.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but suspicion quickly fell on the Taliban.
The militant group recently announced the start of its "offensive" across Afghanistan and vowed to increase its attacks on US-led troops and Afghan forces.
It added that attacks would target US military bases, diplomatic missions and vehicle convoys.
The militants also warned that Afghan translators, government officials, politicians and judges would also be targeted before the US-led mission ends at the end of this year.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 as part of Washington's so-called war on terror.
The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but insecurity continues to rise across the country, despite the presence of thousands of US-led troops.
MP/NN
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