Officials: 5 Afghan security men killed in Taliban attack

Afghan officials say at least five security personnel have been killed by Taliban insurgents who attacked their checkpoints in the southern Helmand province.

General Abdul Rahman Sarjang, provincial police chief in Helmand says four police were killed and seven others wounded today in double-suicide attacks on their checkpoint.

Sarjang says five insurgents equipped with suicide vests were shot and killed by security forces.

Mohammad Rasoul Zazi, an army spokesman in Helmand, said one soldier was killed and another was wounded in the attack.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in the past year, waging offensives across the country.