32 militants killed in northern Afghanistan

Up to 32 armed insurgents have been killed as government forces launched counter-offensive to foil Taliban attacks in Burka district of northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province, provincial police chief Ekramudin Sarih said Tuesday.

"Taliban rebels launched multi-pronged attacks early Tuesday to overrun Burk district but their attempts have been foiled following counter-offensive and the militants, after leaving 32 bodies, fled away," Sarih told reporters at a press conference here.

Several militants have been injured in the firefight, the official said.

The official, however, avoided commenting on possible casualties of security forces in the fight against Taliban fighters, saying "only seven security personnel have been killed across Baghlan province in operations against Taliban" over the past seven days.

Taliban militants who have been repeatedly attempting to capture Burka district since last year are yet to make comment.

Security forces also recaptured Qala-e-Zal district in the northern Kunduz province on Tuesday, forcing Taliban insurgents to flee the area. Enditem