In Afghanistan, at least 11 soldiers were killed when their checkpoint was attacked by militants in western Farah province. The spokesman for the provincial governor, Mohammad Naser Mehri,  said four other soldiers were injured in the gun battle in Bala Buluk district. He said, nine militants were also killed and 13 others injured.

Mehri said, a large number of insurgents launched an attack late last night and the battle continued till early this morning.