LASHKARGAH (PAN): Three policemen were found dead at their check-post in southern Helmand province, an official said on Wednesday.

The three were manning a security post on the Helmand-Kandahar highway in the Shandak area, deputy police chief, Col. Kamaluddin Sherzai, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

An investigation has been launched into the incident to determine whether the policemen were killed as a result of infighting or an insurgent attack, he said.

However, another security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the three had been kidnapped by militants four days ago. They were killed in captivity and their bodies dumped in a ditch, he added.

ma/mud