Two Police Killed In Afghan Violence

(RFE/RL) March 18, 2007 -- A two-hour gun battle between suspected Taliban militants and police has left two policemen dead in Afghanistan's western Farah Province.

Police say the fighting in Bakwa district late on March 17 started when a group of fighters attacked a highway police checkpoint.

Separately, a UN mine-clearing worker was wounded when suspected Taliban militants ambushed coalition forces in Tag Ab district of Kapisa Province, north of Kabul.

Truck Drivers Targeted

Militants cut off noses and ears of at least three truck drivers in eastern Afghanistan.

The drivers were attacked in Nuristan Province on March 17 after unloading their supplies at a coalition base.

Several trucks were destroyed in the attack. Militants have in the past killed drivers for supplying coalition troops.

(compiled from agency reports)