20 Afghan policemen die in Taliban attack

At least 20 Afghan policemen have been killed after dozens of Taliban fighters stormed their outpost in the southern Helmand province.

The assault comes as the Taliban intensifies its summer offensive despite repeated government attempts to reopen peace negotiations.

Al Jazeera’s Nicole Johnston, reporting from the capital Kabul, said another 16 policemen were wounded in Saturday’s pre-dawn attack.

“We are told the attack was executed by hundreds of the Taliban fighters,” she said.

“Over the last six weeks, most of the reports that we’ve heard about the Taliban attacks have actually been in the north and less in the south.”

Nabi Jan Mullahkhil, Helmand police chief, said: “Dozens of armed Taliban attacked a police checkpoint in Musa Qala district of Helmand.”

The raid reportedly occurred just after midnight and lasted several hours.