Taliban attack Afghan courthouse, leaving 53 dead

Kandahar, April 4: A provincial governor says at least 53 people, including nine attackers, have been killed in a daylong gunbattle in western Afghanistan.

Officials say the fighting broke out today after suicide bombers disguised as Afghan soldiers stormed a courthouse in Farah province in a failed bid to free more than a dozen Taliban.

Provincial Governor Akram Akhpewak says those killed included 34 civilians, 10 security forces and nine attackers.