Afghan officials: Taliban killed 16 pro-government fighters
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Afghan local officials have confirmed an attack over the weekend in southern Helmand province, saying the Taliban there killed 16 pro-government militiamen.
Two officials in Helmand say the attack took place on Saturday night. They say the attackers targeted a checkpoint belonging to the pro-government militiamen in Gareshk district.
The two officials spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, says an investigation is underway.
Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement sent to the media. He says two Taliban fighters involved in the attack had managed to escape, confiscating all the ammunition from pro-government fighters.