At least 10 members of Taliban were killed and half a dozen were captured alive in a clash with Afghan law-enforcement agencies in southern Afghanistan on Friday. Police officials said five cops were also injured in the firefight that erupted in the volatile Helmand province and continued for more than three hours.Senior police official, Mohammad Ayoub, told journalists the insurgents ambushed a police party in the Sangeen area of the province in the morning. Police retaliated and exchange of fire continued for more than three hours.
As the police personnel were trying to surround the fighters, they fled the scene leaving behind 10 dead bodies. The police officer suspected several of the 'enemies' might be injured in the clash. He said police and military had cordoned the area and commenced a search to arrest the fleeing insurgents. More contingents of police and Afghan army had been deployed and they were searching for the militants in nearby caves and mountains.
Meanwhile, provincial governor's spokesman Muhayuddin confirmed the bloody clash and said several insurgents had been captured alive during the fight. He said heavy weapons had also been recovered from them.
Confirming the fight, Taliban purported spokesman said only two of their fighters were killed. He said they had incurred heavy losses on the government side.