At least 10 Taliban insurgents were killed and two others arrested when they clashed with anti-drug police in the southern Afghan province of Nimruz, an official said.

Ghulam Dastagir Azad, the provincial governor, told Xinhua thata group of Taliban militants ambushed poppy eradication police in Khash Rod district of Nimroz province at around 12 A.M. (0730 GMT).

"Three hours' fighting claimed at least 10 Taliban militants and two policemen's lives," Azad said, adding that anther two policemen were injured in the clash.

Witnesses on the spot also told Xinhua that a large number of Taliban rebels ambushed police and fierce clashes last for hours.

Meanwhile, Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, adding they have done huge damage?to the police.

Conflicts and Taliban-related violence have left more than 300 people dead so far this year in war-torn Afghanistan, where Taliban militants recently have vowed to launch the "Spring offensive" to intensify their guerrilla-style attacks on national army and foreign troops.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2008)