SHARAN (PAN): Two civilians, six policemen killed and two insurgents were killed in a fresh bout of violence in southeastern Paktika province, officials said on Sunday.
Police commander Yar Gul told Pajhwok Afghan News the civilians were killed in an air raid by NATO-led troops in Pirkoti area of Argon district.
The civilian fatalities occurred Saturday evening when police sought air support from ISAF during a firefight with the Taliban. The clash lasted several hours.
Yar Gul said two militants -- carrying bombs and explosives on a motorbike to Argon bazaar -- were gunned down by border police.
Provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Dawlat Khan Zadran, said four policemen died in a clash with the Taliban on Saturday afternoon in Gayan district.
He said another two policemen were killed by the Taliban on the Sharan- Matakhan highway.
A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the killing of the policemen, but said he was unaware of militant casualties in the Argon incident.