Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Afghan Suicide Attack Kills at Least 6 Police Officers in Helmand Province

Mohammad Habibzada

   A suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden car Saturday night in
   front of a police center in southern Afghanistan, killing at least six
   police officers.

   The attacker used a military Humvee vehicle and the blast rocked
   theGereshkdistrict of restive Helmand province, Afghan officials there
   told VOA.

   "The suicide attacker target wasGereshk'smain bazaar. The attacker
   wanted to cause a bloodyincident butblew up his explosives right after
   being identified by police," IsmaelKhpalwak, theGereshkdistrict police
   chief, told VOA.

   "Six of our police officers were killed and a bridge was partially
   damaged," he said.

   A Taliban spokesperson said the Taliban claimed responsibility for the
   attack in a tweet, stating "an enemy base" was destroyed and more than
   a dozen Afghan police officers were killed.

   Meanwhile, U.S. and Afghan forces came under direct fire late Saturday
   in eastern Nangarharprovince.

   Colonel Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, told
   VOA in an email, "A combined U.S. and Afghan force conducting an
   operation in Nangarhar province was engaged by direct fire on Feb. 8."

   "We are assessing the situation and will provide further updates as
   they become available," he added.

   Afghan defense sources were quoted by Reuters as saying it was not
   clear whether the attack was carried out by the Taliban or any
   othermilitary operation.

   No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

   VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this
   report.

.