Taliban night attacks in Kandahar, Farah

Taliban attacks on checkpoints in the Afghan provinces of Kandahar and Farah have left dozens of security personnel dead. The night-time assaults coincide with a survey showing Afghans deeply worried about their safety.

Night vision technology had likely been used by the Taliban in two Monday night attacks on Afghan checkpoints, said a spokesman for the western province of Farah.

Nine Afghan National Army soldiers were killed along with three civilians, said Farah governor spokesman Naser Mehri.

"There are signs the Taliban may have used night vision technology to approach and surprise our forces," said Mehri, adding that the attackers had "suffered casualties" as they were repelled.