Three killed, 11 missing after Afghan attack

Kabul, April 26 (IANS) At least three policemen were killed and 11 reported missing after a check post in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province was attacked by militants, said an official Thursday.

"An unknown number of militants attacked a police check post in Basand area of Wardoj district Wednesday night, triggering a gunfight that left three policemen dead," reported Xinhua citing the anonymous official.

The 11 missing police personnel may have been kidnapped by militants, he said.

"A search and cleanup operation has been launched in the area and details will be released to media afterwards," said Lal Mohammad Ahmadzai, a police spokesman in the region.

Taliban militants claimed responsibility for the incident.

Taliban fighters had launched an attack on a police check point in Badakhshan, killing several policemen and capturing 20 others, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told local media via cellphone.