Afghan insurgents kill 5 in attack on checkpoint

Afghan police say Taliban insurgents killed two officers and three civilians in an attack today on a checkpoint in the western part of the country.
Police Lt Sher Agha Alokozai says four insurgents were also killed in the gunbattle early today in Herat province's Obey district.
He says the three civilians were farmers killed by insurgents who were firing while they fled through their fields.
Attacks against the army and police have intensified in recent months after the US-led international coalition handed over responsibility for security to Afghan forces.
Foreign forces have been steadily withdrawing from Afghanistan and all combat troops are expected to be gone by the end of next year.