Taliban kill security forces ahead of truce

KABUL: An Afghan official says the Taliban have attacked a checkpoint in the southern Kandahar province, killing five security forces.

The attack late on Saturday comes ahead of a three-day ceasefire timed to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadaan.

Daud Ahmadi, spokesperson for the provincial governor in Kandahar, says three other forces were wounded in the attack.

The Taliban claimed the attack in a statement to media. They announced the upcoming ceasefire on Saturday, saying they would continue to defend themselves if attacked and would continue targeting foreign forces. The government announced the ceasefire last week. The holiday and cease-fire are expected to begin later this week.