Afghan officials say a Taliban ambush in the northeastern Badakhshan province has killed at least four policemen.
Deputy Provincial Police Chief Mohammed Nabi Bayhan said the attack took place late Monday and that security forces have launched a clearing operation in the area.
Ahmad Bashir Musamum, a provincial council member, confirmed the attack and said seven policemen were killed.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement Tuesday.
Elsewhere in Afghanistan, Sanatullah Timor, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar province, said a Taliban fighter was killed Monday while planting a mine.
