Taliban attacks Afghan govt. offices in Helmand

PanARMENIAN.Net - An Afghan official says insurgents have attacked government offices in a town in southern Helmand province, where Taliban fighters have been battling government forces for months, the Associated Press reports.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for Helmand's governor, said Wednesday, March 9 that the police headquarters and intelligence agency offices in Gereshk came under attack in the early morning.

He says four suicide bombers entered the police headquarters, killing two officers and wounding at least four. He says three of the attackers have been killed, with one still fighting.

Insurgents were prevented from entering the intelligence agency building he says.

The Taliban claimed responsibility, AP says.

The insurgents regard Helmand, a major poppy-growing region, as part of their heartland. Fighting, both with government forces and between rival Taliban groups, reflects the importance of the heroin smuggling routes there.