Taliban kill 5 Afghan forces days ahead of truce

KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan official says the Taliban have attacked a checkpoint in the southern Kandahar province, killing five security forces.

The attack late Saturday comes ahead of a three-day cease-fire timed to coincide with the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

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By Tara Copp, AP and Kyle Rempfer

Daud Ahmadi, spokesman for the provincial governor in Kandahar, says three other forces were wounded in the attack.

The Taliban claimed the attack in a statement to media.

The Taliban announced the upcoming cease-fire on Saturday, saying they would continue to defend themselves if attacked and would continue targeting foreign forces. The government announced the cease-fire last week.

The holiday, and the cease-fire, is expected to begin later this week.

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