5 Afghan police officers killed by fellow officer

CASSANDRA VINOGRAD

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan authorities say a border police officer has opened fire on fellow officers, killing five and wounding two at a checkpoint in western Afghanistan.

Herat Province Police Gen. Mohammad Juma Adeel said Monday that the officer managed to escape after opening fire on the checkpoint in the Rubati Sangin district of the province.

Adeel did not provide further details.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

The U.S. military says Afghanistan's government has ordered the release of 37 "dangerous" prisoners who it believes pose threats to the country and the region.

The release of prisoners has been a sticking point in Afghan-U.S. relations as the two sides struggle over a deal allowing U.S. and allied troops to remain in the country past the end of this year.

The U.S. on Monday condemned the move to release of "dangerous insurgents who have Afghan blood on their hands," linking them to roadside bombings and attacks on foreign and government troops.

Afghan officials did not return repeated calls for comment Monday."