12 security forces killed in Afghanistan

Twelve Afghan security forces have been killed in an attack in the southern Kandahar province.

At least 12 Afghan security forces have been killed in a suicide attack after a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden military vehicle close to compounds in Kandahar.

A group of Taliban insurgents used a Humvee vehicle they had stolen and detonated it outside the compound which houses the headquarters of police and district governor, Kandahar police spokesperson Ahmad Zia Duranai told EFE.

Duranai said that four people were also injured in Wednesday night's attack.

Spokesperson Qari Yusuf Ahmadi said the Taliban had taken over the Afghan forces' facilities, a claim that was refuted by the police.

"Nether Maruf district headquarters nor any check posts have been captured by Taliban, it's mere propaganda by the terrorists," Duraini said.

Kandahar is among one of the most insecure provinces in southern Afghanistan bordering restive Helmand province.

The attack coincided with the visit of US Defence Secretary James Mattis and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to Kabul to ratify military support for the Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani.