Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. Suspected Taleban Rebels Kill 9 Afghan Soldiers ----------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BD5650:2AB91D3 Taleban spokesman claims responsibility for attack Authorities in Afghanistan say suspected Taleban rebels have killed nine Afghan soldiers in the country's restive south. A provincial government official says the soldiers were attacked late Thursday while on patrol in the remote Chakul area of southern Helmand province. A Taleban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack. Taleban rebels have mounted a stubborn insurgency across southern and eastern Afghanistan since U.S. forces ousted the Taleban government in late 2001.