Kandahar, Afghanistan, Feb 25, SPA -- Suspected Taliban rebelsambushed a vehicle carrying Afghan troops in southernAfghanistan, killing nine soldiers, a provincial officialsaid Friday. The attack occurred late Thursday in the Chakul area ofHelmand province, where Taliban often target police andtroops, said Haji Wali Mohammed, a spokesman for thegovernor. "We lost contact with the Afghan soldiers late Thursday,and their bodies were found today," he said, adding thatauthorities would hunt down and arrest the "terrorists"who carried out the attack. Taliban rebels immediately claimed responsibility. "Yes, the Taliban did this and we will launch moreattacks against government and coalition forces," MullahLatif Hakimi, who often speaks for the Taliban, told TheAssociated Press by telephone.--SPA1223 Local Time 0923 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/242190