1st LD Writethru: 13 police killed in overnight attack in W. Afghanistan

At least 13 police personnel were killed when Taliban militants attacked a police station in Afghanistan's western province of Farah Thursday night, police said on Friday.

"Unknown number of militants stormed Bakwa District's police station at around midnight. The attack left 13 police personnel killed," Mohammad Ghous Malyar, deputy provincial police chief, told Xinhua.

Provincial security authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, the police official added.

The attackers have seized weapons and several security forces' vehicles and destroyed government offices during the attack in the district east of provincial capital Farah city, according to local residents.

They said some policemen of the surrounding security checkpoints may facilitate the attack as three to four police personnel were missing after the attack.

The missing policeman may have connection with the Taliban, they said.

Police chief Malyar said further details about the incident will be made public after the investigation.

Farah and neighboring Helmand provinces have been the scene of heavy clashes over the past couple of months as Taliban has been trying to challenge the security forces in the restive region.

Zabiullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Taliban has been on the rampage since April when they launched their so-called annual rebel offensive in different places in Afghanistan, including the capital of Kabul, killing and injuring hundreds. Endit