Neo-Taliban Kill Nine Afghan Policemen

22 October 2005 -- Police today said neo-Taliban militants killed nine Afghan policemen, including a unit commander, in fighting in the southern Helmand Province, RFE/RL's Afghan Service reported.

Provincial administrative deputy chief Ghulam Moheedin said the attack happened on 21 October when the policemen were ambushed. Moheedin said four neo-Taliban fighters were also killed.

In Kabul, Interior Ministry spokesman Yousef Stanizai said two militants captured earlier in the week told interrogators that there was a neo-Taliban hideout in the Helmand region.

Stanizai said the policemen who were attacked were searching for that hideout.

(with additional AFP reporting)