Afghans clash with police after arrest of militia leader

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KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Hundreds of protesters have clashed with police in the Afghan capital after the arrest of a Shiite militia commander.

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid says three policemen were shot and wounded and another 20 were hit by stones thrown by the protesters, who torched two police checkpoints.

The demonstrations erupted after the arrest of Alipoor, who leads a Shiite militia in the western Ghor province and who goes by one name. It was not immediately clear what he is charged with, but state-allied militias are often accused of extortion and other mafia-like behavior.

During a previous attempt to arrest Alipoor, in June, security forces in Ghor clashed with his followers, leading to the deaths of seven civilians and four police.