Taliban attack repulsed, 29 including 27 insurgents killed in S. Afghanistan

A total of 29 fighters including 27 militants and two policemen have been killed and Taliban attack to overrun Marouf district in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province have been repulsed, provincial police spokesman Jamal Barikzai said Friday.

According to the official, the Taliban insurgents launched massive offensive on security checkpoints in Taghri area on Thursday night to gain ground and overrun Marouf district but police returned fire triggering heavy fighting during which fighting planes struck the attacking militants killing 27 on the spot.

Two policemen were also killed during the clash, the official added.

Over a dozen other including six policemen were injured, the official said, adding the security forces backed by fighting planes would continue to target the insurgents hideouts in Marouf district and its vicinity.

Taliban militants who have intensified activities over the past couple of months have yet to make comment.