Taliban militants clash with Afghan border troops; 20 killed

Afghan officials say at least 20 Afghan border troops have been killed in a Taliban attack on their base in western Farah province.

Abdul Samad Salehi, a provincial council member, says more than 45 border forces were at the base in Posht Koh district; only three of them could reach a nearby village, rest of them are either killed or arrested by the Taliban.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and a similar number were missing, most probably arrested by Taliban, said a senior army official said, who was not authorised to speak with the media.

The late Monday night gun battle lasted for more than two hours before insurgents overran the base and communications were lost, said the official.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)