Taliban targets army checkpoints killing 30 troops

An Afghan official says at least 30 soldiers were killed when Taliban fighters targeted two checkpoints in western Badghis province.

Abdul Aziz Beg, head of the provincial council in Badghis, says Taliban fighters first attacked the checkpoints then ambushed arriving reinforcements in Bala Murghab district.

He said the attack started Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning.

There were casualties among the insurgents, he said, but couldn't provide an exact number.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban are active in Badghis and have repeatedly claimed attacks against Afghan security forces there.

The Taliban observed a cease-fire over the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday last weekend but rejected the government's request for an extension.

Source: AP