KABUL, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Two policemen were killed and eight others were injured when their vehicles hit roadside bombs planted by Taliban insurgents on Saturday evening in southern Afghan province of Kandahar, a local official said on Sunday.

    "The patrolling police vehicles were struck by the remote control roadside bombs supposed to be planted by Taliban insurgents in Panjwayi district of Kandahar province," said Haji Shabaran, the chief of district.

    Meanwhile, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, the purported Taliban spokesman, told Xinhua via phone from an unknown hideout that the outfits took responsibility for the incident, adding the explosion left 10 policemen dead and injured.

    Over 6,000 people had lost their lives in conflicts and Taliban-related violence last year while militants as per predictions would further increase their attacks especially on foreign troops and Afghan army in 2008.