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KABUL: 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.
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.