3 killed in armed clash with Taliban in northern Afghan province

FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, May 5 (Xinhua) -- At least three members of pro-government local militia were killed and two others wounded after Taliban laid an ambush attack in northern Afghan province of Badakhshan Friday night, local police said Saturday.

"The incident occurred in Keshoo locality of Darayim district when a group of pro-government local uprising fighters were travelling to neighboring Tashkan district. The gunfight triggered by the ambush attack also killed and wounded several militants," provincial police spokesman, Sanaullah Rouhani, told Xinhua.

The group was travelling as reinforcing to support security forces and local uprising fighters in Tashkan which was seized by Taliban militants on Thursday.

The mountainous province has been the scene of heavy clashes within the past months.

Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency, killing government troops as well as civilians.

They have intensified armed attacks against security forces across the country since April 25 when the Taliban's so-called yearly rebel offensive started. Enditem