Militants attack police in south Afghanistan

By NOOR KHAN, Associated Press Writer

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Police officials in southern Afghanistan say militants have attacked a police checkpoint in the violent province of Kandahar overnight, killing at least three policemen and wounding another six.

The police criminal director of Kandahar, Pashton Moamand, says the attack occurred overnight and that three policemen were killed and six wounded.

However, a local police official from the Argandab district where the attack occurred had a higher death toll. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said eight policemen were killed and three seriously wounded.

He said a group of militants attacked the checkpoint from three sides with gunfire and grenades at about 2 a.m. Monday, and then fled.

Authorities are searching the area for the attackers.