5 Afghan security men killed in Taliban attack

Afghan officials say at least five security personnel have been killed by Taliban insurgents who attacked their checkpoints in the southern Helmand province.

Afghan officials say at least five security personnel have been killed by Taliban insurgents who attacked their checkpoints in the southern Helmand province.

A member of the Afghan security forces keeps watch following clashes with Islamic State (IS) fighters in Kot district. (AFP)

General Abdul Rahman Sarjang, provincial police chief in Helmand says four police were killed and seven others wounded Saturday in double-suicide attacks on their checkpoint. Sarjang says five insurgents equipped with suicide vests were shot and killed by security forces.

Mohammad Rasoul Zazi, an army spokesperson in Helmand, said one soldier was killed and another was wounded in the attack.

Taliban spokesperson Qari Yusouf Ahmadi claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban have stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces in the past year, waging offensives across the country.