At least eight policemen were killed and seven wounded in a clash with the Taliban in Arghandab district of Zabul province, local security officials said Wednesday.
Zabul police confirmed the toll and said the clash started on Tuesday night when Taliban attacked police check posts.
According to police the clash continued until Wednesday morning. Insurgents reportedly seized weapons and a police Ranger.
In addition, an Afghan National Army soldier was also killed in the area. The soldier was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in hit a roadside mine.
Police said the soldiers had been moving in to the area as reinforcements when the incident happened.
Two other soldiers were also wounded in the blast.