Taliban attack killed 35 policemen in Takhar province of Afghanistan

An attack by the Taliban has killed 35 policemen in Takhar province of Afghanistan, according to local media reports. At least 12 people, including six policemen, were also injured in the five-hour-long battle on Wednesday night in Ishkamish district.

While other reports said that the death toll was as high as 43 policemen with nine others missing. Taliban fighters reportedly overran the base and destroyed it before leaving.

On Thursday three explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital Kabul, killing a total of at least 15 people and wounding dozens of others.

The US is negotiating for an accord that would see foreign forces pull out of the country in return for various Taliban security guarantees, including a pledge that Afghanistan will not become a safe haven for armed groups. Some observers say the Taliban are increasing attacks to gain greater leverage in the talks.