2 policemen killed in Marja insider attack

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Two policemen were killed and a civilian injured in an insider attack in the Marja district of southern Helmand province, an official said on Thursday.

The policemen were killed when they traded gunfire after a verbal clash, Col. Abdul Ahad Chopan, the provincial police spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said the fire exchange started after one of the policemen wounded a civilian in the crowded district bazaar of Marja. Chopan added an investigation into the incident had been launched.

But Akhtar Mohammad, a district official, said two policemen and one civilian were killed and a fourth man injured in the incident.

Haji Zahir Jan, a resident of the locality, said the policeman opened fire on a shopkeeper, killing him and injuring another. The shopkeeper refused to pay cash and give foodstuff to the police official.

nh/mud