Seven killed in Taliban attack

Suspected Taliban rebels riding motorbikes launched a night-time raid on a militia checkpoint in southern Helmand province, killing six Afghan soldiers, an official said today.

The attack in Kajaki district late yesterday sparked a 30 minute gun battle between about 15 militants and 20 government militiamen. One militant was also killed, said district chief Sharaf Uddin.

The suspected Taliban fled after the raid, leaving behind an assault rifle, a walkie-talkie and a satellite phone, he said.

Uddin said more police and militia were sent to the area and were searching for the rebels but had so far made no arrests.

US and Afghan forces often clash with militant supporters of the former ruling Taliban who remain a threat in southern and eastern Afghanistan.