Taliban attack on Afghan soldiers in eastern province leaves 2 troops dead

KABUL, Afghanistan – A local official says the Taliban have attacked Afghan troops in eastern Laghman province, triggering a gunbattle that killed two soldiers and wounded a third.

The provincial governor's spokesman Sarhadi Zwak says the attack began around 10 a.m. on Monday in Alishing district. He says there was an explosion during the shootout, possibly from a roadside mine, which might have caused the casualties.

The official did not provide more information.

Afghan soldiers and policemen have been the main target of insurgent attacks as the Taliban and other militants have stepped up their assaults following the withdrawal of most foreign troops from Afghanistan at the end of last year.