8 militants killed in N. Afghan clashes

At least eight militants were killed after Afghan security forces repelled Taliban attacks in the country's northern province of Kunduz on Wednesday, officials said.

In one attack, eight Taliban were killed after unknown number of militants stormed troop's positions in Duhbandi, in outer side of Chahar Dara district, western of provincial capital Kunduz city, district Governor Zulmai Farooqi told Xinhua.

"The militants tried to run the district center but the security forces were aware of the attack. Sporadic clashes were still going on there. So far, eight militants lost their lives and no security force member was hurt in exchange of fire," Farooqi told Xinhua.

The second attack also occurred before dawn when dozens of militants attacked security checkpoints along a main road in Khan Abad district, east of Kunduz city, sparking heavy clashes.

Qudratullah Safi, district executive officer, told Xinhua that several militants were killed and the gunfight has led to temporary blockage of the road connecting Kunduz city to the neighboring Takhar province.

However, he could not give immediate report about casualties, but he confirmed that several Taliban militants were killed and wounded during the clashes.

The province, 250 km north of Afghan capital of Kabul, has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and Taliban over the past couple of months.

The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since early April when the militant group launched its annual rebel offensive in different places of the country, which had claimed hundreds of lives including militants, security personnel and civilians.

The Taliban urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people not to support the government. Enditem