Militants seize Afghan cops

The Taliban poisoned and captured at least 12 policemen as they broke their fast in the holy Muslim month of Ramadan in an attack in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday. The attack took place in Zabul province, where the insurgent militia is believed to have a strong presence despite numerous operations by Afghanistan’s west-backed government security forces.

The militia has frequently claimed to have infiltrated the ranks of Afghan army and police, being trained by US-led NATO troops. Zabul provincial police chief, Ghulam Sakhi Roghliwani, confirmed the attack and said the policemen went missing after they were poisoned.