16 Afghan police officers killed in Taliban ambush

KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- Sixteen Afghan police officers were killed, 20 injured and about 24 abducted following an attack by Taliban militants, local officials said.

Provincial council chief Mawlavi Zabiullah Atiq said the ambush took place late Wednesday in Wardooj district in northeastern Badakhshan province.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, Khaama Press reported Thursday.

Taliban militants openly operate in Wardooj, one of the most volatile areas in northeastern Badakhstan province, the newspaper said. Afghan troops are conducting operations in the area to clear it of militants.