1st LD Writethru: Two police killed in northern Afghan clash

Two police personnel were killed while five police wounded in a clash in Afghanistan's northern province of Takhar on Saturday, a provincial government spokesman said.

"An unknown number of militants stormed a security checkpoint in Al-Qanaq area of Khwaja Bahwoddin district at around 03:00 a.m. local time, sparking a heavy clash. The gunbattle caused two Afghan Local Police (ALP) members killed and five others wounded," spokesman Snatullah Timor told Xinhua.

The militants ran over the checkpoint also called Al-Qanaq in the district, the official said, adding "the security forces are preparing to reclaim the post later in the day in the province, 245 km north of the Afghan capital."

The government established the ALP, or community police, in 2010 to protect villages and districts around the country where army and police have limited presence.

Several militants were also killed and wounded in the battles, but the exact number is not immediately available, the spokesman noted.

Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban purported spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the insurgents captured weapons and military vehicles after seizing the checkpoint.

The Taliban has intensified attacks over the past months as the militant group tries to take territory and consolidate its positions ahead of winter in the country. Endit