Clash leaves 5 dead in SW Afghanistan

KABUL, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Gun battle between Afghan police and Taliban insurgents claimed the lives of five including four militants in Ghor province southwest Afghanistan, provincial police chief Abdul Baqi said Wednesday.

"The clash took place in Pasawand district after militants began collecting taxes in some villages and people rejected the demand," Baqi told Xinhua.

He said that rejection by locals triggered gun battle which police sided with people killing four rebels including two suicide bombers.

One civilian was also killed in the gun ballet lasted for several hours.

Taliban militants, according to locals, often collect tax from farmers either they grow poppy or legal crops wherever they hold territory.