Nine die in Taliban attack at security checkpoint in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- An attack by militants at a security checkpoint in Afghanistan Monday left at least nine people dead, including three Afghan police officers, officials said.

The attackers struck at an Afghan Local Police Forces post in Obe district of Herat province, Khaama Press reported.

The district police chief, Gen. Shir Agha Alokozai, said at least three police officers and four militants were killed during the confrontation.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

In Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, Afghan intelligence authorities seized a car, five suicide bombing vests, five AK-47 rifles and 19 hand grenades from a vehicle. Local officials said the supplies were meant for an attack in Lashkargah, Khaama Press reported.

Afghanistan's national directorate of security said at least seven suspected terrorists were arrested during an operation in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan.

A directorate statement said the insurgents were recruited by Taliban leader Mullah Ibrahim and sent to Pakistan for training.

The militants recently returned to Afghanistan to carry out terrorist activities, the directorate said.